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Family Unification Day Celebration

As part of the annual nationwide American Bar Association family reunification effort, Legal Services of New Jersey hosted its 2024 Family Unification Day celebration on Monday, June 17, at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick. The event honored families and their heroes, who have successfully prevented removal, or been reunified with their children after involvement with the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP).

The Honorable Rodney Thompson, presiding judge of the Mercer County Family Part provided introductory remarks for the keynote speaker, the Honorable Rodney Cunningham. Cunningham spoke about the importance of family and the strength and determination of families to remain motivated to overcome their circumstances; and emphasized that the role of judges and stakeholders is not only to keep children safe, but also to show empathy for the families served.

The theme for the 2024 Family Unification Day was child support in DCPP-related matters. A video titled “The Price of Reunification: Foster Care Child Support” was showcased highlighting two families who became indebted to the child support program because of their child/ren being removed from their home.

The afternoon ended on a high note as parents walked across the stage with their children, proud to have made it over the hurdle of involvement with the child welfare system.


2024 Family Unification Day

Previous Family Unification Day Videos

Keynote Speeches from Prior Years

Other Presentations and Speakers

About National Family Reunification Month