Family Reunification & Preservation Services
As part of its focus on permanency for children, youth and families, Diakon operates two specialized programs in Bucks, Delaware, Northampton, Lebanon and Lehigh counties of Pennsylvania:
Diakon Family Reunification Program
Diakon Family Preservation Program
Before mid-2016, the programs were operated by Lutheran Children and Family Service of Eastern Pennsylvania, part of Liberty Lutheran. Earlier in 2016, Liberty—based near Philadelphia—made the difficult decision to end its children- and family-focused services. Diakon was pleased to be able to assume operation of the two services, which have a history of providing excellent outcomes for the at-risk families they serve and may provide a model to replicate in other counties.
Family Reunification
Family reunification is when a foster or residential care child is reunited with their biological parent or parents, having followed specific guidelines and goals put forth in their case.
This intensive service is designed to aid children and youths in out-of-home placements such as foster or residential care for whom the primary plan is reunification with their biological parent or parents.
The program prepares key family members for reunification by providing assessments, education and training, and various tools to address family and child needs. Concurrently, staff members explore other options should the process not provide the permanent setting the child needs.
Family Preservation
Diakon’s home-based, intensive family preservation program serves children and families to prevent the out-of-home placement of children. This is accomplished by strengthening and enhancing family functioning, providing a mix of tangible and intangible services, and providing in-home-based services by flexible, readily accessible staff.
To Learn More ...
For more information on either of these programs, please contact:
Diakon Family Preservation & Reunification
Executive Director: Fayrouz Azer
(215) 872-6649
