Recovering mother recounts reunification; Project 0 outlines effort to reduce waiting children

At the same Senate Children and Youth Committee meeting, Leah Holland, who identified herself as "a mother of 4, a child of God and a grateful recovering addict," delivered a detailed personal testimony about childhood abuse, later substance use during pregnancy, the loss of custody and her eventual recovery and reunification with her children.

Holland told the committee she was removed from the hospital after the birth of a son and said the early interactions with the assigned caseworker were traumatic. She credited an attorney appointed by DHS, a foster family (named in her testimony as Britney and Cody Chancellor) and treatment services for supporting her path to reunification. Holland described reunification as occurring after she completed a treatment plan, and said the foster family continued to support contact and even invited her to family events as she rebuilt connections.

"I was an only child in a rather toxic and dysfunctional family... I am a mother of 4, a child of God and a grateful recovering addict," Holland said. She told the committee that early, negative beliefs about DHS led her family to avoid services until crisis, and that direct supports—both state-provided and faith-based—helped change her trajectory.

Committee members praised Holland's testimony and asked whether DCFS communicates early and clearly to foster parents that reunification is the agency's stated goal. Senator Hammer and others recommended clearer documentation so foster parents understand that adoption is not guaranteed and that reunification may remain the case plan goal. Director Wright responded that reunification is emphasized in training and case planning, that staff are reminded to communicate transparently, and that courts ultimately set permanency goals.

Later in the meeting, Christie Uhrin, who introduced herself as founder and executive director of Project 0, told the committee the nonprofit's mission is to eliminate the number of waiting children for adoption. Uhrin outlined Project 0's work in raising awareness through a heart gallery and short films, hosting events (like Project Prom), and partnering with DCFS to match waiting children with permanent families. "We have 1 goal and that's to have 0 kids in foster care waiting to be adopted," she said, and invited legislators to view theproject0.org and participate in scheduled events.

The committee's discussion tied Holland's personal account to broader questions about communication with foster families, supports for birth parents seeking reunification, and the role of faith-based and nonprofit partners in recruitment and supports. Wright agreed to continue working with providers and partners and to share relevant follow-up materials.