Amidst growing concerns over child welfare and mental health services, the Michigan House Oversight Committee summoned the state’s health department head for a rigorous hearing. The session was marked by intense questioning as lawmakers scrutinized the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) handling of various issues.
A significant topic of discussion was a troubling case in Monroe County where children were reported to have lived in inadequate conditions for months. State Representative Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Twp) voiced concerns, asking, “Do you really believe it’s acceptable for our kids to grow in the state in tents and squalor?” This question highlighted the urgency felt among committee members to address child welfare issues swiftly.
Elizabeth Hertel, the Director of MDHHS, faced questions about the delay in removing the children from such conditions. Hertel explained that initially, the situation did not meet the legal criteria for neglect that would warrant intervention by children’s protective services. The removal of the children eventually occurred when they were found living in a car, as alternative shelter arrangements had failed.
Hertel assured the committee that efforts are underway to enhance support for families before situations deteriorate to such levels. “We are shifting our entire child welfare staffing structure over to one that focuses on how we can take care of families if and when they enter the system, or to help them never enter the system,” Hertel stated.
Towards the hearing’s conclusion, dissatisfaction among the panel’s Republican members, particularly Committee Chair Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay), became evident. DeBoyer questioned the effectiveness of MDHHS given its substantial budget and large scope. “You’ve had a four-year run. Your budget is gigantic. And we have kids sleeping on mattresses on the ground,” DeBoyer expressed during the proceedings.
In a subsequent interview, DeBoyer suggested that MDHHS might be too extensive to manage as a single entity, indicating that any substantial changes would require careful deliberation. “I don’t think we’re just going to knee-jerk react. We’re going to actually put some work into it. Because at the end of the day it’s about what’s the best service we can provide to the taxpayers of the state of Michigan,” DeBoyer remarked.
Responding to the committee’s scrutiny, Hertel issued a statement later that evening defending the department’s progress. “Thanks to the hard work of MDHHS employees across the state, over the last few years we have made significant improvements to programs and policies that make a difference for Michigan residents’ health and wellness. We welcome the interest and efforts of the legislature to collaborate on building upon these improvements in the future,” said Hertel.
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