Family Reunification Day 2026
Date/Time
Date(s) - 06/17/2026
12:00 am
Location
Mt. Dew Park
Categories
Williamson and Saline Counties will Celebrate Reunified Families
on June 17, 2026 at Mt. Dew Park in Marion, Illinois
MARION, Ill. — Parents who have worked hard to overcome significant challenges and
successfully reunify with their children will be honored during a Family Reunification Day
celebration on June 17, 2026, at a Thrillville Thrillbillies baseball game at Mt. Dew Park in
Marion, Illinois.
The event is being hosted through a partnership among the local courts, the Williamson and
Saline Juvenile Court Action Team, and local child welfare offices. Prior to the game, an award
ceremony will recognize the families, agencies, justice partners, and community supporters
who contributed to successful family reunifications.
The public is invited to join the celebration, with game festivities beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Families being honored will receive complimentary game tickets and will be recognized during
both the pregame award ceremony and at the ballpark during the game. Honored families will
also receive award certificates, T-shirts, goodie bags, refreshments, and opportunities to
participate in family-friendly activities.
T-shirts supporting Family Reunification Day may be purchased online through the Reunification
Day T-Shirt Order Form. Orders must be placed by Sunday, June 1, 2026. Tickets for the baseball
game may be purchased online at etix.com.
“Parents work diligently, often for many months, to overcome personal struggles and adversity
while addressing the complex issues that led to their children being removed from their care,”
said Circuit Judge Amanda Byassee Gott. “Parents participate in extensive education, services,
and training while receiving support from numerous agencies, community organizations, court
partners, and volunteers in order to achieve successful reunification with their children. It is
important that we recognize that hard work and celebrate each family’s successful reunification
within our community.”
This marks the first year Family Reunification Day has been celebrated in Southern Illinois. The
event recognizes parents who successfully navigated the child protection court process with
support from extended family members, community partners, CASA volunteers, child welfare
workers, and the courts.
“DCFS is thrilled to join Judge Gott at Illinois’ first-ever Reunification Month event as we
celebrate not only the parents who never gave up, but the dedicated professionals who stood
beside them every step of the way,” said Heidi E. Muller, Director of the Illinois Department of
Children and Family Services. “This event is a beautiful example of our state’s firm commitment
to supporting our Illinois families and young people and demonstrates that, when we provide
families the support they need as they work to overcome real obstacles, we give our young
people the chance to heal, grow and thrive with the families they yearn for.”
The primary goal of the child protection court system — the legal process through which
children may enter state care due to concerns regarding safety and adequate care in the home
— is reunification of families whenever possible.
Organizers hope to make Family Reunification Day an annual event and encourage other
communities to celebrate the importance of healing, perseverance, and bringing families back
together.
CONTACT:
Circuit Judge Amanda Byassee Gott
618-997-1301 ext. 3538
agott@fjc-il.org
Peggy Reiman, DCFS Legal Counsel
618-521-1247
Peggy.Reiman@illinois.gov