Berrien County Family Reunification Celebrations

By Jean Lawrence, Intake Manager/Juvenile Register, Berrien County Circuit Court

During the pandemic, the Berrien County Circuit Court found an innovative and safe way to keep celebrating our reunified families involved in child protective proceedings.  Our Reunification Gift Basket Delivery program honored our reunified families in a fun and personal way.

Examples of items awarded to reunified families through the Reunification Gift Basket program.

Court Celebrates Families During Adoption Day in November

By MSC Public Information Office

"Today is a rare day in the court when there are no losers--only winners," said Chief Justice Stephen J. Markman, as he welcomed families, judges, case workers, and other guests to the Michigan Hall of Justice on November 26 for the Michigan Supreme Court’s annual Adoption Day celebration.

Unique Foster Care Funding Structure Provides 'Hope to Work Better and Smarter for Kids'

By Kristyn Peck, CEO of West Michigan Partnership for Children

One year ago Michigan launched its first performance-based, case rate funding model through a five-year pilot project run by West Michigan Partnership for Children (WMPC).  The goal of the project is to improve outcomes for children in foster care and their families.

A Simple E-Mail Was the Start of a Great Partnership That Benefits Local Children

By Elvin Gonzalez, Family Division Administrator, Berrien County Trial Court

It was the fall of 2016.  The e-mail from Judge Mabel J. Mayfield, our Presiding Family Division Judge, said, “Here is an interesting grant opportunity we may want to pursue.”  Her e-mail was the beginning of a great adventure for our family division and all those in Berrien County with an interest in the child protective system. 

New Initiatives and Programs in 3rd Circuit

By Richard Smart, Deputy Court Administrator, 3rd Circuit Juvenile Division (Wayne County)

On Friday, December 1, 2017, the Juvenile Division of the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan and the Casey Family Program Foundation hosted a celebration and showcase of new initiatives and programs at the Detroit Branch of the Chicago Federal Reserve Building. 

State of MIchigan Passes 2016 Federal Title IV-E Review

By Casey Anbender, Management Analyst, SCAO, Child Welfare Services Division

The 2016 Federal Title IV-E Onsite Review took place last September in Lansing.  The state of Michigan was found to be in substantial compliance by the federal government, citing a total of three case errors from the 80 cases randomly selected for review statewide.[1]  The federal government reviews state Title IV-E Programs approximately once every three years to determine whether the case files, court orders, licensing requirements, and payment records meet federal Title IV-E requirements as outlined in 45 CFR §1356.71 and §472 of the Social Security Act.