Skagit County proclaims June 9 as Family Reunification Day; judges outline court timelines and new peer-support program

The Skagit County Board of County Commissioners on May 12 unanimously proclaimed June 9, 2025, as Family Reunification Day and heard a presentation from Superior Court staff on dependency-case timelines and local support programs.

Judge Laura Raquelme, a Superior Court judge, told the commissioners that dependency proceedings—cases opened when the Department of Children, Youth and Families raises safety concerns—most often stem from behavioral-health issues such as substance use and can take well over a year to resolve. “That’s really the whole point, is to reunify the family,” Raquelme said, describing the court’s emphasis on restoring safe family relationships while protecting child safety.

The proclamation recognizes parents who have reunified with their children and encourages community support for families still working through the process. Commissioner Wiesen moved the proclamation; Commissioner Brown…