Continuing to uncover common misconceptions about family reunification and revealing the reality behind them. 3. “The children are relieved to leave their birth families.” Even in difficult home environments, removal is very traumatic for everyone involved. The emotional bond between a child and their parent is powerful — even if safety is a concern. Research shows that when reunification can occur safely and with the right support, it offers long-term benefits to a child’s emotional well-being and identity. 4. “Foster parents don’t care and are just in it for the money.” Foster care stipends rarely cover the full cost of raising a child. Most foster families choose to open their homes because they care. Deeply. In fact, many foster parents experience grief during reunification — not because they oppose it, but because they’ve loved well. Foster care is not a transaction; it’s often a sacred calling to step in and stand in the gap for a time. CarePortal, "Misconceptions About Family Reunification in Foster Care," CarePortal Blog, [accessed June 19, 2025], https://www.careportal.org/2025/06/10/misconceptions-about-family-reunification-in-foster-care/ #CarePortal #NeedMet #GiveBack #ComeTogether #Community #FosterCare #FosterLove #Adoption #Parenting #Family #ChildrenMatter #EveryChildMatters #ChildrenFirst #fostercaresystem #servingthecommunity #serving #servingothers #fostercaresupport #fostercare #churches #together #churchservice #churchfamily #churches #church #churchministry #servingourcommunity CarePortal (fb)

Over the next week or so we will be post common misconceptions about reunification. Hopefully this will bring understanding to the complexities surrounding the topic. "Family reunification is one of the most misunderstood parts of the child welfare system. While public perception often leans toward oversimplified or negative assumptions, the reality is far more nuanced — and deeply human." 1. "Birth parents don't care about their children." This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Most birth parents deeply love their children and struggle not because of indifference, but because of challenges like poverty, trauma, or mental health needs. What they often lack are the resources, stability, or coping mechanisms needed to provide consistent care. With the right support — like stable housing, counseling, or parenting education — many parents are capable of reuniting with their children and thriving. 2. "Most birth parents intentionally harmed their children." The majority of child welfare cases in the U.S. involve neglect, not abuse. Neglect accounts for around 74% of cases and is frequently tied to poverty or lack of support — not malice. While abuse does occur, most removals are rooted in issues like inadequate housing, untreated mental illness, or substance dependency. These are complex challenges, not character flaws. Careportal, "Misconceptions About Family Reunification in Foster Care," CarePortal Blog, [accessed June 19, 2025], https://www.careportal.org/2025/06/10/misconceptions-about-family-reunification-in-foster-care/ #CarePortal #NeedMet #GiveBack #ComeTogether #Community #FosterCare #FosterLove #Adoption #Parenting #Family #ChildrenMatter #EveryChildMatters #ChildrenFirst #fostercaresystem #servingthecommunity #serving #servingothers #fostercaresupport #fostercare #churches #together #churchservice #churchfamily #churches #church #churchministry #servingourcommunity CarePortal (fb)