In this article, Glen Casel - CEO of Community Based Care of Central Florida - makes a connection between the current family separation crisis at the US border with Mexico and the family separations that occur in the US child welfare system. "The fallout of family separation is also a grim reality in child welfare," Casel writes. "No matter what environment kids are coming from, living apart from their parents disrupts their lives and reshapes the way they experience the world — from school to relationships and everything in between." Casel continues to describe the impacts of separation on children's brain development and overall wellbeing. He underscores the importance of permanence for a child, and having a permanent and stable family environment, ideally through reunification with the birth family. "When a child enters our care, the priority is providing a safe and supportive environment, often a foster home. But equally important, case managers work with parents to address the root issues and build on their family’s strengths, so they can safely reunite with their children." Casel concludes with a call for family support and strengthening, writing "We must overcome our society’s tendency to villainize parents of children in foster care. Whenever possible, they should feel heard, respected and empowered to make healthy choices for their families."
