B4 – Harnessing the Power of Family Time to Strengthen the Parent-Child Relationship and Support Reunification Efforts   

Research has found a significant association between family time and permanency and well-being outcomes. Furthermore, fathers’ involvement in parenting is associated with increased reunification rates and more rapid exits from foster care. This presentation addresses the importance of quality family time and how to use family time to strengthen parent-child relationships. Presenters will discuss how to objectively track and discuss progress in family time to inform decisions about family time expansion and reunification. Participants will hear from subject matter experts and practitioners who prioritize frequent, quality family time and focus on the parent-child relationship.

Presenters: Tessa Richter, Children and family Futures, Lake Forest, CA; Lynne Katz, University of Miami, Miramar, CA