05/30/2026
Excited to be a part of this event.
Family Reunification Day 2026
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 (contact Whitney at 618-997-9196). Orders must be placed by Sunday, June 1, 2026. Tickets for the baseball game may be purchased online at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/25596/mtn-dew-park.
“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.
