Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services Introduces New Support Model for Child Welfare
In an effort to enhance the welfare of children and families across the state, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is set to launch an innovative Children Services Administration (CSA) team-based support model in April 2024. This initiative aims to transform Michigan into an optimal environment for child-rearing and family life.
MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel expressed that the traditional approach, where a Child Protective Services (CPS) staff member is solely assigned to each family, has led to challenges due to administrative burdens and task overload. “This model often hinders staff from providing essential attention to the families that truly need it,” Hertel stated. The new CSA model integrates a collaborative team structure involving various specialized roles including caseworkers, economic support personnel, supervisors, and family resource specialists. This multi-faceted team will address the diverse needs of families right from their initial engagement with the child welfare system.
Through clear role delineation and collaborative guidance, the new approach is designed to empower CSA staff, enabling them to focus on complex family situations more effectively. By fostering a supportive work environment, this initiative anticipates reducing employee burnout and turnover while ensuring continuity of care for families.
The predicted benefits of this new model are substantial. It aims to:
1. Enhance shared decision-making processes among team members.
2. Improve training opportunities through apprenticeship models.
3. Increase the permanency rates for families, thereby reducing transitions within the child welfare system.
4. Establish a network of community resources and navigators that will provide long-term support to families.
This restructuring aligns with the MDHHS’s “Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda” introduced in 2023, which emphasizes prevention, intervention, and overall child welfare. The agenda incorporates over 20 protocols aimed at safeguarding and promoting the well-being of Michigan’s youth, employing best practices developed over a four-year consultation period with stakeholders.
In its initial phase, the new model will be implemented in April across a select number of counties, including Allegan, Barry, Macomb, Sanilac, St. Clair, Saginaw, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau. A statewide rollout is projected for early 2026.
Tishara Price, the Director for Macomb County at MDHHS, highlighted the expected positive implications of this model not only for staff but also for families in need: “The CSA teaming model creates an opportunity to enhance support for our workforce, ultimately improving outcomes for children.”
Prior to this announcement, MDHHS engaged with various stakeholders, including CSA staff and members of the community, to identify the systemic challenges currently faced. This comprehensive approach included focus groups and direct interviews with both professionals in the field and individuals who have experienced the child welfare system firsthand. Moving forward, MDHHS emphasizes a commitment to integrating ongoing feedback from employees and families during the implementation process, ensuring that the approach remains responsive to community needs.
As Michigan seeks to redefine its approach to child welfare, the newly established teaming model represents a significant step toward fostering a supportive environment for families and enhancing the effectiveness of the state’s welfare system.
