LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — When Michigan’s foster children can’t find permanent homes, they sometimes end up crashing somewhere they shouldn’t—like state office lobbies or emergency shelters.  

Federal court reports reveal that despite ongoing reforms, more than 100 children removed from unsafe homes each year still spend nights in short-term shelters or even state department offices due to a lack of available foster homes. 

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In fact, monitors tracking Michigan’s foster care system say the state often fails to place kids in permanent homes quickly enough, according to The Detroit News. Nearly one-third of children who enter temporary shelters remain there longer than a month, falling short of the 95% placement goal set by a federal consent decree.

Lawmakers and child welfare experts warn the shortage of licensed foster families and specialized treatment facilities leaves many children in limbo, especially those with behavioral or mental health challenges.

“We are working to expand our behavioral health options,” Department of Health and Human Services Director (DHHS) Director Elizabeth Hertel said. “We’ve done a good job at expanding, but we need more … because when children need services, they should be able to get them as quickly as possible.”

Michigan’s child welfare system remains under federal oversight dating back to 2008, meeting just five of 26 key benchmarks from July to December 2023.  With the state licensing fewer foster homes than it loses each year, Michigan faces a growing shortage that hinders timely placements for children in need.

“In my mind … if all these kids find foster families within a day or two, then I think the system is working decent,” Rep. Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville) said. “If kids are sitting there five or six days, or two weeks, then we’ve got a problem.”