Pathway to Reunification

The length of time that children in Whatcom County spend in foster care is twice as long as the state average. While Foster Care is an important safegaurd for children, foster care is not a place for children to grow up.

To address this issue, Brigid Collins Family Support Center, in coordination with the Table of Ten Court Improvement Committee, developed the Pathway To Reunification model and pilot project. A proviso in the 2009 legislative session funded this pilot through 2011.

The model applies evidence-based practices and promising practices with the aim to reduce the time children spend in foster care.

Children and their parents participate in thereauputic visits with a trained Brigid Collins staff person. Each family also receives additional support in coordinating support services, including access to the new WISH Family Journal and parenting education.

If this project proves successful, it has the potential to be replicated in other communities. The need for improved services for foster children is not only a disturbing local issue, but a crisis nationally.

“We think globally to make a real difference here at home and a better community for all of us,” says Byron Manering, Executive Director of Brigid Collins.