MI Improves Child Welfare Effort

Following years of problems, federal officials say Michigan has achieved all goals for improving the child welfare system.

In a letter to the governor, the U.S. Administration on Children and Families says the state’s Children’s Services Agency has implemented a wide range of improvements.

The agency oversees protective services, foster care, adoption and juvenile justice systems.

Michigan has been working on improving its child welfare and foster care programs since 2009, when federal officials said the state was not in compliance.

Governor Rick Snyder says he has made improving the child welfare system a priority since taking office in 2011.

Now that the state has succeeded in meeting the federal goals, potential federal penalties of at least $2.8 million have been rescinded.