Family Unification Day Celebration

As part of the annual nationwide American Bar Association Family Reunification effort, Legal Services of New Jersey celebrated 2020 Unification Day with a virtual event on Tuesday, November 17. The event honored families who have successfully prevented removal, or been reunified with their children after involvement with the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP).

This year's event was a Zoom event honoring 28 parents and heroes, with appearances by RISE Parent Leaders, Honored Parents and Heroes and remarks from Judge David Katz.

2020 Family Unification Day Appreciations

• Alexandra (Parent Honoree)
• Cheryl (Parent Honoree)
• Titus (Recipient of the Peter N. Fiorentino, Jr., Esq., Memorial Scholarship)

2019 Family Unification Day Speeches

• The Honorable Sallyanne Floria
• The Honorable David Katz
• Dr. Jerry Milner, Associate Commissioner for the Children's Bureau
• David Kelly, Special Assistant for the Children's Bureau

Previous Family Reunification Day Videos

• Caseworkers and Parents: Heroes Together Saving Families and Homes (2019)
• Cannitta’s Story: Surviving, Not Living (2018)
• Iesha’s Story: Reclaiming Her Voice (2018)
• Overcoming Barriers to Educational Success for Children in Out-of-Home Placement (2017)
• Nurturing and Rebuilding Family Ties (2016)
• Home - Housing's Critical Role in Child Welfare (2015)
• Poverty, Addiction, and Meeting Family Needs (2014)
• Visitation: An Indispensable Tool for Reunification (2013)

Keynote Speeches from Prior Years

• The Honorable Daniel Yablonsky, Passaic County (2018)
• The Honorable Madelin F. Einbinder (2017)
• The Honorable David B. Katz (2016)
• Lisa von Pier, Assistant Commissioner of the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (2015)
• The Honorable Julio L. Mendez (2014)
• The Honorable Hany A. Mawla (2013)
• The Honorable Thomas H. Dilts (2012)
• The Honorable Sallyanne Floria (2011)
• The Honorable Glen A. Grant (2010)

For information on National Family Reunification Month:

• National Council of Juvenile and Family Courts
• ABA Center on Children and the Law