One family’s journey to reunification with government and private partners
Stanley Soares following the ceremony with two of his children.
The Child Welfare Services Branch came together with the Hawai‘i State Judiciary, community organizations, and others to celebrate National Reunification Month on June 23 at Hale Pono‘i in Kapolei. The event recognizes families and the organizations and entities that support them in their journey to reunify.
Every year, the event is highlighted by the recognition of one family who has overcome obstacles to achieve reunification. This year, the event honored Stanley Soares and his ‘ohana.
First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige prepares with Child Welfare Services staff to present Soares with a proclamation recognizing his journey to reunification.
Partners from EPIC ‘Ohana, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Hawai‘i Families As Allies (HFAA), Child and Family Services, the Judiciary, and the Department of Human Services Child Welfare Services Branch (CWS) joined Hawai‘i’s First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige to acknowledge the long journey Soares and his children have taken to be reunified.
For the event, Soares shared his life-long journey to reunification. Soares, whose tough childhood led him to running away, drugs, and other problems, eventually entered military services which provided discipline as he transitioned to adulthood. His road inevitably led him back to drug use though. Soares admits that his drug use kept him from living up to his promise to be a good father to his children. Thre of his children were eventually taken into foster care in 2013.
Stanley Soares and his children are joined with the Family WRAP Hawaii Team, which included representatives from EPIC, HFAA, CASA, CCSS, CWS, and CFS.
Soares described the night that was his turning point. He was sleeping in his truck alongside the ocean when he had a vivid dream about being home with his children. He awoke from this dream to a stark reality: he was homeless, sleeping in a truck, and separated from his children. He admitted then that his life had to change.
Soares worked with CWS while his children were in Voluntary Foster Custody to resolve safety and well-being issues. He successfully completed a substance abuse program, with the support of CWS. After three years and with the help of a program called Family WRAP Hawaii, a collaboration with community organizations and state government, Soares was reunified with his children.
Family Court Judge Uale (left) stands alongside Soares and two of his children.
Today, Soares is filled with joy and makes sure his children know he loves them every day. He is honest and open about the role drug use played in his story. Soares remains committed to staying clean and knows that his children will continue to be an inspiration for him.
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