1st Judicial Circuit of Illinois

Family Reunification Day 2026
Williamson and Saline Counties will Celebrate Reunified Families
on June 17, 2026 at Mt. Dew Park in Marion, Illinois

MARION, Ill. — Parents who have worked hard to overcome significant challenges and successfully reunify with their children will be honored during a Family Reunification Day celebration on June 17, 2026, at a Thrillville Thrillbillies baseball game at Mt. Dew Park in Marion, Illinois.

The event is being hosted through a partnership among the local courts, the Williamson and Saline Juvenile Court Action Team, and local child welfare offices. Prior to the game, an award ceremony will recognize the families, agencies, justice partners, and community supporters who contributed to successful family reunifications.

The public is invited to join the celebration, with game festivities beginning at 7:00 p.m. Families being honored will receive complimentary game tickets and will be recognized during both the pregame award ceremony and at the ballpark during the game. Honored families will also receive award certificates, T-shirts, goodie bags, refreshments, and opportunities to participate in family-friendly activities.

T-shirts supporting Family Reunification Day may be purchased online through the Reunification Day T-Shirt Order Form (contact Whitney at 618-997-9196). Orders must be placed by Sunday, June 1, 2026. Tickets for the baseball game may be purchased online at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/25596/mtn-dew-park.

“Parents work diligently, often for many months, to overcome personal struggles and adversity while addressing the complex issues that led to their children being removed from their care,” said Circuit Judge Amanda Byassee Gott. “Parents participate in extensive education, services, and training while receiving support from numerous agencies, community organizations, court partners, and volunteers in order to achieve successful reunification with their children. It is important that we recognize that hard work and celebrate each family’s successful reunification within our community.”

This marks the first year Family Reunification Day has been celebrated in Southern Illinois. The event recognizes parents who successfully navigated the child protection court process with support from extended family members, community partners, CASA volunteers, child welfare workers, and the courts.

“DCFS is thrilled to join Judge Gott at Illinois’ first-ever Reunification Month event as we celebrate not only the parents who never gave up, but the dedicated professionals who stood beside them every step of the way,” said Heidi E. Muller, Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. “This event is a beautiful example of our state’s firm commitment to supporting our Illinois families and young people and demonstrates that, when we provide families the support they need as they work to overcome real obstacles, we give our young people the chance to heal, grow and thrive with the families they yearn for.”

The primary goal of the child protection court system — the legal process through which children may enter state care due to concerns regarding safety and adequate care in the home — is reunification of families whenever possible.

Organizers hope to make Family Reunification Day an annual event and encourage other communities to celebrate the importance of healing, perseverance, and bringing families back together.

Retired Judge Christy Solverson was honored by the Jackson County Board, recognizing her 21 years of service to Jackson County and the First Judicial Circuit.

Solverson recognized for judicial leadership, service The Jackson County Board honored retiring Judge Christy Solverson for more than two decades on the bench, recognizing her leadership in the courtroom and her role in expanding programs aimed

"The Jackson County Drug Court will hold its sixth graduation ceremony at the Jackson County Courthouse on Thursday, May 21, at 2 p.m. The ceremony will follow the regularly scheduled Drug Court hearing.

The graduation marks the completion of a two-year program that requires participants to comply with a tiered, rigorous structure. The program blends intensive treatment and therapy while working to change the social environments that have contributed to a pattern of addiction and criminality."

Please see the full news release from WSIL TV:

Murphysboro courthouse to host Drug Court graduation ceremony MURPHYSBORO, Ill. (WSIL) -- The Jackson County Drug Court will hold its sixth graduation ceremony at the Jackson County Courthouse on Thursday, May 21, at 2 p.m. The ceremony will

Jackson County Associate Judge Michael A. Fiello, alongside fellow judges from the 2nd and 24th Judicial Circuits and local attorneys, presented on “Working Effectively with Sign Language Interpreters” and “Parenting Plans: Practice Tips from the Bench” at the 19th Annual Joint CLE Conference on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Southern Illinois University School of Law.

Congratulations to all the recent graduates of SIU Simmons Law School, many of whom have served as clerks throughout the circuit. In addition, the 1st Circuit congratulates Federal Judge J. Phil Gilbert on receiving an honorary Doctor of Law degree, presented by Dean Brenner Johnson during the law school's 50th Commencement Ceremony. Judge Gilbert has a long history of service on the bench, both federally and as a former 1st Circuit Judge, and many years of service in support of SIU Simmons Law School. Congratulations to all! ⚖️

SIU law school graduates 87 in milestone commencement CARBONDALE — The SIU Simmons Law School celebrated its 50th commencement on Friday, graduating more than 80 students in the Class of 2026.

We congratulate Brock Freeman, full-time Illinois JusticeCorps Fellow serving the First Judicial Circuit, on earning his Master's Degree in Public Administration (M.P.A.) from Southeast Missouri State University on Saturday, May 9, 2026, with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Child Abuse Prevention month activities continue to take place across Southern Illinois during the month of April to raise awareness about child abuse. Judge Amanda Byassee Gott spoke at the Hands Around the Courthouse event in Harrisburg today at the Saline County Courthouse along with other community leaders. Williamson County plans to host its Proclamation Reading and Child Abuse Awareness event this Friday, April 24 at 1:00pm at the Marion Town Square.

Congratulations to all the winners, but especially Brenda Sprague from the First Circuit!

Applications for the 2026–2027 Illinois JusticeCorps program are now open!

The First Circuit is seeking applications for a full-time, motivated, service-driven individual who is passionate about helping our communities.

As a Fellow, you’ll work in courthouses across the First Circuit—helping people navigate the legal system and get the support they need, when they need it most.

This is your chance to gain hands-on legal experience while making a real difference in your community.

Ready to serve and grow? Apply today or share with someone who would be a great fit.

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