Episode 159: The Way Home - How Kids Return to Their Families with Judge Colleen McNally

Summary: In honor of national reunification month, in this episode we have a conversation with Judge Colleen McNally about what reunification means for kids and their families. Before retiring, Judge McNally served the people of Arizona for over 16 years in the Maricopa County Superior Court of Arizona. Since retiring, she has devoted her time and efforts to supporting families that have experienced the foster care system and continues to advocate for better systems in Arizona. Resource Links: How did Cradle to Crayons adapt the Safe Babies Court Team™ approach in Maricopa County, Arizona? On the Road to Reunification: Experiencing Foster Care with My Sister by My Side By D'Artagnan Caliman American Bar Association - Celebrating Reunification Month Foster Cooperative Prevent Child Abuse Arizona   Foster Arizona  PO Box 20787  Mesa, AZ 85277   Connect with us! Facebook: @FosteringVoicesPodcast  IG: @FosteringVoices www.fosterarizona.org   Chapters: 0:00 - Open 0:33 - Intro 1:32 - Who is Judge McNally? 3:39 - We all have Trauma 5:36 - The Courtroom Experience 7:00 - How can the System be Supportive? 8:44 - It's the Simple Things 10:32 - A Drink of Water 10:50 - The Challenge of Severance 12:42 - The Reality of Reunification 14:04 - And Now What? 16:00 - What is your Wish for Change? 18:43 - Reunification Day 20:53 - Kid Initiatives 22:06 - How can the Community Support? 22:35 - ACE Questionnaires 23:55 - Love for a Child vs. Love for an Adult 25:55 - Fear 27:54 - Send an Encouraging Note 29:26 - Reflections on the First Reunification Day 30:59 - Ways for the Community to Connect 33:17 - The Takeaway 34:34 - Get Involved 35:23 - Resources 37:21 - Thank You