In celebration of National Reunification Month, an Oahu family once severed by substance abuse was honored Friday for reuniting and flourishing after more than a decade apart.
In 1996, Vivian Kim-Seu struggled with substance abuse and lost four daughters to the state’s foster care system, resulting in the girls spending much of their childhood in the system. While Kim-Seu underwent treatment, she was in a relationship with her now-husband Randy Kim-Seu, who tackled his own substance abuse problems.
Vivian Kim-Seu graduated from the state Family Court Drug Program on Nov. 15, 2012, and married Randy Kim-Seu a month later. The couple has also been reunited with the girls.
Cindy Shimabukuro, assistant project director for Hui Hoʻomalu, an organization that recruits, trains and assesses resource families for the state, said, "To me this is the goal of child welfare, so it’s kind of a chicken-skin experience to see … the whole process go through and these families be together again at home."
According to C. Noelani Realin, a child welfare social worker, the family is now solid. "They support each other in every way. I mean, the older ones help Mom, Mom helps the babies; it’s like how a family should be," Realin said.
The Kim-Seu family, members of their support team, and community partners that work to help families reunite met for a luncheon celebrating the reunification Friday at the Ronald T.Y. Moon Kapolei Courthouse.
Kayle Perez, child welfare administrator for the state Department of Human Services, presented the family with Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s proclamation declaring June 20 a day of celebration marking National Reunification Month.
About 1,200 children are in the state’s foster care system. According to Perez, about 70 percent of those children are eventually reunited with their families.
"We’re showing an increase every year," Perez said, referring to "children leaving foster care for the reason of reunification with their families."
Vivian Kim-Seu said while the process that preceded being reunited with her children was long and lonely, it was worth it. "It feels good," she said. "We’re always busy; we always have something to do."
