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In Marion County, Oregon, the child welfare has set up two historic houses in Salem for biological parents to visit with their children living in foster care. The visitation houses are unique in Oregon, only 6 of 36 counties have similar sites.
The visitation houses are used with families that have worked up to the gradual reunification and it is believed the families will succeed. The home atmosphere is believed to help with this process.
When parents and their children who have been living apart due to drugs, violence or neglect can reconnect in a home-like atmosphere there are benefits. When a mother is able to go outside in the backyard and play cars, swing, or blow bubbles with her children, it can be positive for both parties. Parents are asked to come prepared with lunch for their children or a snack. Some parents do not know or have not learned to interact or play with their children. This is a step in showing parents and even the children that they are important parts of their lives. A positive connection and a healthy bond can be built when parents choose to put their children first and walk away from their damaging past made of mistakes.
These homes are supervised by staff members. For parents, having visits with their children in these homes is a privilege that they are not given. They have to work up to having their visits there.
The two visitation homes used by the Marion County Child Welfare Office are furnished and have many amenities, but the agency hopes to provide activities for families that use the facilities. The wish list includes baseball bats, baseballs, footballs, Frisbees, jump ropes, bug boxes, bubbles, dress-up clothes and arts and crafts supplies.
If you live in the area and would like to help out by donating some items, please call. Even is you do not live in the area you can still help by purchasing items and having them sent there, or you may buy a gift card for them to purchase items off their wish list.
If you can help, contact Cheila Ramirez at (503) 378-3850 or Sarah Allbee at (503) 378-3019.
Related articles at adoption.com:
Family Reunification (on every state)
Lanette, this sounds like a wonderful program. Reunification is the right choice if the child can be safe, and cared for.
Does reunification with drug addicted or violent parents seem as kooky to you as it does to me? All four of mine came from that background, with lots of damage, two were placed from Oregon. John
John,
I believe that most parents that are struggling with drugs should have the chance to be reunited with their children. With saying that, I believe that the bio parents should be given a short time to show that their are truly working on getting off drugs.
Parents that are really violent or that allow their children to endure sexual abuse or keep the abuser in the children lives, I have serious concerns about.
Lanette