Family Reunification is a community-based service that helps families that have had children removed from the home achieve safe reunification. Immediately following placement, referrals can be made by the Erie County Office of Children and Youth for children ages 0-18 years, with priority given to children ages 0-5.
Family Reunification at Family Services of NW PA aims to safely reduce barriers that prevent reunification of the family unit. Caseworkers act as part of a team that includes parents, foster parents, workers from the Office of Children and Youth (OCY), and other social service agencies with the common goal of returning children to their homes. Monthly team meetings are held with all family members involved in the reunification process.
Goals of Family Reunification:
- Reduce barriers for family reunification
- Work with parents, agencies and the courts to bring children home
- Assist parents in developing skills and tools necessary for reunification
- Help parents to make lasting, healthy changes
Referrals:
Immediately following placement, referrals can be made by the Erie County Office of Children and Youth for children ages 0-18 years, with priority given to children ages 0-5 and reunifying families with children who have been in foster care or kinship placement for ten days or less.
Referrals must be made by the Erie County Office of Children and Youth (OCY).
