A Family Reunification Day took place at Lake Aberdeen on June 22, with a barbecue, yard games, family photos, face painting and an ice cream truck.

The event was hosted by Parent 4 Parent and the state Parents Representation Program, which is part of the Washington State Office of Public Defense. These programs help biological parents dealing with drug addiction and other problems to earn their children back into their care.

The parents in attendance at Family Reunification Day received certificates signed by a judge celebrating them earning their kids back into their care.

Skyler Burlingame, 3, spent some time in the dependency foster care system until being recently reunited with his father. They attended the event together.

“He loved having ‘tattoos’ on his arms and ended up with drawings all over his face,” said social service worker Lori Barre.