Community Pages - Michigan

Initiative Partner:  Michigan Department of Human Services

The Michigan Department of Human Services is the lead agency for this dual site, serving over 400 youth in Detroit/Wayne County and a 10-county cluster near Traverse City in northern Michigan. Nearly 200 more youth are engaged in 13 additional counties throughout the state. Michigan youth and young adults are a strong voice, influencing policy and practice changes and engaging communities in creating new opportunities for transitioning youth.

Contact:

Paula Young
Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative Manager
Email:  youngp3@michigan.gov
Phone:  517-241-8904
Fax - 517-335-7789

Policy:

Accomplishments in Youth Priorities Since Voice 2

•  With support from the Initiative and the Casey Center, DHS designed and is piloting a youth-driven teaming model to address permanence, safety and well-being of older youth in care (including all Initiative outcome areas and access to vital documents).  The team meetings will occur every three months from age 14.

•  Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative (MYOI) has opened over 1,000 IDAs in 30 counties using grant and Chafee funds.

•  DHS has established 200 new staff positions focused on youth awaiting permanence.

•  DHS has established 14 new educational planner positions, similar to the Northern MYOI site.

•  When siblings can't be placed together, visits are required at least monthly.

•  All young people aging out are automatically enrolled in Medicaid to age 21.  In addition to Medicaid, DHS re-directed $3 million to enhance mental health services.

• All youth at age 14 are referred to workforce investment partnerships.

•  No youth can be placed in a residential facility without express written approval of the county Administrator of Children's Services.  The placement must be re-assessed every 90 days.

News and Events:

 Click here to read about educational camp for young people in foster care.