Family Reunification & Preservation Services
As part of its focus on permanency for children, youths and families, Diakon operates two specialized programs in Bucks, Delaware, Northampton 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 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
What is 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.
Diakon Adoption & Foster Care's Family Reunification Program
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 the 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
This home-based, intensive family-preservation program serves children returning home from foster care, residential or other out-of-home placement with a goal of ensuring success of the reunification.
The program’s goals are to help safeguard the returning child upon re-entry to the family, facilitate the child’s reintegration with his or her biological or legal family, and prevent recidivism—that is, another placement in foster care or other out-of-home care.
To Learn More ...
For more information on either of these programs, please email Fayrouz Azer or telephone her at (215) 872-6649.
Office Locations
Diakon Family Preservation & Reunification
Executive Director: Fayrouz Azer
(215) 872-6649
Bucks County Office
Redeemer Lutheran Church
2100 York Rd.
Jamison, PA 18929
Site Director: Jessica Burgos
Delaware County Office
501 Chester Pike
Norwood, PA 19074
Site Director: Vera Keener
Lehigh and Northhampton Counties Office
1933 Hanover Ave.
Allentown, PA 18109
Site Director: Melissa Mulero
Lebanon County
Phone: (215) 872-6649
Site Director: Fayrouz Azer
