KTF Specialist reconnects child with biological father

The situation

A mother and child had been traveling to multiple states and ended up in a homeless shelter in Lucas County. The mom was struggling and was not able to care for her child, leading to the child entering foster care. There were no relatives in Ohio, as the mother and child were not from the state, creating an immediate need to find potential family members who could provide care.

The facilitation

Kinnect to Family Specialist Monique stepped in to conduct an intensive family search and engagement process. She was able to locate the child’s biological father in California. Monique submitted an Interstate Compact for the Placement of a Child (ICPC) request to expedite the child’s return to his father. Initially, the agency in California stated that they typically do not conduct home assessments for biological parents. However, after Monique explained the unique circumstances, the agency made an exception and agreed to complete the assessment.

The outcome

The biological father immediately flew to Toledo, Ohio, to attend court. During the proceedings, he was granted custody of his son. The very next day, the father and his son flew back to California together, successfully reuniting as a family.

*Names and identifying information have been changed for purposes of confidentiality.