Neighbor News
Safe Children Coalition celebrates reunified families
June is National Reunification Month; child welfare agency celebrates 28 parents who did the work to bring their families back together
Child welfare organization Safe Children Coalition proudly celebrated its 6th annual Reunification Celebration in honor of National Reunification Month. The outdoor festival-themed gathering recognized 28 parents and their children who have successfully been reunited, highlighting the resilience and dedication of families overcoming challenges together.
“Reunification is at the heart of what we do,” said Tonia Hutchinson, VP of dependency child welfare & operations at Safe Children Coalition. “When a child enters care, our work begins immediately to safely bring that family back together. Celebrating these reunified families is a powerful reminder that hope, perseverance and support can lead to healing and lasting success.”
A special highlight of the event was a moving presentation from guest speakers Ryan and Tyler Trout, a father and son who shared their reunification journey after years apart. Ryan Trout was recently honored at the Florida Institute for Child Welfare Symposium in Tallahassee, receiving the inaugural Parent of the Year Award.
During the event, Honorable Judge Maria Ruhl read Safe Children Coalition’s Reunification Proclamation.
The celebration featured a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere with the support of generous community partners and vendors. Attendees enjoyed Kona Ice, an interactive photo booth provided by Nathan Benderson Corporation, entertainment by Carolyn Ruhl (as Freckles the Amazing Activities Clown), and a visit from Pickles the Miniature Horse, courtesy of DDS Miracle Minis.
Additional contributions included a red heart-themed photo backdrop from Oh What Fun Party Co., a pirate ship bounce house and tent rental from Joyland, and a celebratory Publix cake donated by the Children’s Guardian Fund. Hutchinson noted that this event would not have been possible without SCC’s incredible staff, community providers and supporters.
“This event is a testament to the strength of families and the power of staff and community support,” said Hutchinson. “We are proud to celebrate these parents and children who remind us that families can heal and thrive together.”
Family reunification – the day when children who have been removed from their homes for various reasons are safely reunited with their families – is the primary goal of those working in the child welfare realm.
In Florida's Circuit 12 (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties), Safe Children Coalition works to provide resources, coordinate complicated legal processes, and serve as an advocate for families in crisis. And its efforts to reunify families are frequently successful: of the children removed in Florida’s Circuit 12 last year, 96% achieved permanency through reunification, placement with a relative/permanent guardianship, or through adoption.
Reunification requires teamwork among a complicated web of foster homes, case managers and other child welfare professionals, the guardian ad litem program, and children’s legal services. There are numerous social services that may come into play depending on the unique needs of each family. Biological parents must work their personalized case plans as assigned – with support from SCC’s permanency and reunification teams – and, in the end, a judge will determine if the child can return home.
Unfortunately, there is a shortage of caring foster parents to open their homes and hearts to children experiencing the disruption and trauma of being removed from their home in our region. At any given time, there are more than 1,000 children in Circuit 12 who cannot safely remain in their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. An increase in the number of available licensed foster care homes could better meet the needs of children who deserve safe, loving homes.
Safe Children Coalition’s next foster parenting class starts on July 13, 2026. For more information on becoming a foster parent, visit sscfl.org/foster.
About Safe Children Coalition, Inc.
Safe Children Coalition, Inc. (SCC) serves as the lead agency for community-based care for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. SCC is a collaboration between local community agencies who provide services to children and families in need. SCC is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building community. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention, diversion, quality management, and support services. Visit sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799.
