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 seconded. The motion carried 2 to 0.

Why it matters: Dependency cases involve many players—social workers, attorneys for parents and children, the attorney general’s office and tribe contacts where applicable—and the timelines set out in state law and court practice guide how quickly cases must move. Raquelme said cases commonly remain active for as long as two years because of the services and monitoring needed before children are safely returned to parental care.

Court programs and supports discussed: Raquelme and other speakers described several local supports meant to increase successful reunifications. Family recovery court, offered for parents whose substance-use disorder is a primary factor, operates on a model of more frequent court reviews—typically every other week—and coordinated “team staffing” to address barriers quickly. Raquelme called the family recovery court voluntary and said it adds accountability and access to services.

Speakers also highlighted a new “parent for parent” program that the county has contracted through the YWCA of Snohomish County. The program pairs parents who have lived experience of dependency proceedings with parents currently navigating the system to provide peer education and ongoing support. “These are parents who have previously gone through dependency proceedings, and they’re connecting with the parents in our cases early on,” Raquelme said.

Event and partners: The county and Superior Court set a recurring Family Reunification Day to be observed each year on June 9. This year’s event is scheduled for June 9 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Skagit Valley Play Fields. Raquelme said community partners typically include local parks and recreation, the YMCA, the Mount Vernon Library, Catholic Community Services (the provider that staffs family recovery court locally), and other service providers; past events have featured family activities and community resource booths.

Data cited: A presenter read a state figure that about 7,000 children in Washington are in out-of-home care at any time. Raquelme emphasized that percentages of reunifications shift over time because many active cases filed in recent years remain in progress.

Board comments and next steps: Commissioners praised the program’s emphasis on hope and parent support. Commissioner Brown said the timing—shortly after Mother’s Day—made the proclamation “very appropriate,” and expressed support for community recognition of families’ efforts. The board moved, seconded and adopted the proclamation; staff said they will publicize the June 9 event and the proclamation on county calendars.

Action recorded: The board adopted a proclamation designating June 9, 2025, Family Reunification Day (motion moved and seconded; outcome recorded as approved, 2–0).