Kent County Faces Crisis as Foster Care Funding Cut Sparks Legal Battle
In a surprising turn of events, Kent County is grappling with what local judges describe as a “child welfare emergency” following the state’s decision to halt funding for the agency that has long managed its foster care cases. The West Michigan Partnership for Children (WMPC) has responded by filing a lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), asserting that the funding cuts are unlawful and pose significant risks to vulnerable children.
The nonprofit organization, led by CEO Sonia Noorman, claims that the funding was abruptly cut off without prior notice. Noorman recounted, “We basically, through them, found out that they were told that we no longer have a contract, that they may no longer talk to us about children, and that (MDHHS) would be working with them to take over, you know, the administration of foster care.” She further warned MDHHS officials about the potential consequences of such sudden changes, stating, “This is very naive to think that you can flip a switch on a whole system of care overnight and not have something bad happen.”
In response to the funding cut, judges from the 17th Circuit Court, who handle child abuse and neglect cases, have sent an urgent letter to the governor and state legislators. The judges emphasized the seriousness of the situation, declaring, “This is not a policy disagreement. This is a child welfare emergency!” They criticized the legislature’s budget process, which resulted in the elimination of $2.9 million in administrative funding for WMPC, calling it a move that was made “without notice, without transition planning, and without consideration of the on-the-ground realities.”
The state’s decision followed a tumultuous budget process, with legislators cutting a line item that supported Kent County’s unique performance-based foster care system in favor of a more traditional fee-for-service model. This has left WMPC and the 17th Circuit Court judges blindsided and concerned about the future of foster care services in the county.
Kent County’s Unique Foster Care System
The performance-based system was initially established after a class-action lawsuit against the state highlighted issues of mismanagement and insufficient funding in the foster care system. WMPC was created to manage this system, which has reportedly led to improved outcomes such as more foster placements with family members and shorter stays in the system. However, a University of Michigan Child and Adolescent Data Lab study argued that these improvements were not statistically significant and that the program incurred additional costs.
Despite this analysis, the 17th Circuit Court judges have criticized the study’s methodology, suggesting it inflated costs and included unexplained charges against WMPC. They argue that the state’s decision to cut funding will ultimately result in higher costs due to failed placements and longer foster care stays.
Ongoing Legal Dispute
WMPC’s lawsuit contends that MDHHS lacks the authority to terminate the agency, as state law mandates a performance-based foster care system in Kent County, for which WMPC is essential. The lawsuit seeks to compel the state to enter a new multi-year funding agreement and requests an injunction to maintain funding in the interim. WMPC warns that without state support, it is “on the brink of closure.”
In response to the lawsuit, MDHHS has stated its commitment to child welfare, emphasizing, “The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is deeply committed to ensuring the health and safety of all children. We will never stop transforming how we keep kids safe and families together.” The department has not officially commented on the lawsuit.
As the legal battle unfolds, the fate of approximately 426 children in Kent County’s foster care system hangs in the balance. The five agencies directly managing foster care placements continue their work, now coordinating with MDHHS instead of WMPC. Agencies like D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s and Bethany Christian Services have expressed support for both MDHHS and WMPC, hoping for a resolution that safeguards the interests of children and families.
A hearing for the case is scheduled for November 17th in Lansing, as the community awaits a resolution to this pressing issue.
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