LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, on Thursday issued the following statement, voicing his strong disapproval of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ management of the state’s foster care system — stressing the need for immediate improvement and increased accountability — following reports that MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel wants the program to be free from federal oversight by 2026:
“Michigan’s foster care system has been under federal oversight since 2008 because of despicable levels of mismanagement. We need to see concrete evidence of success across all monitored areas to ensure the safety and well-being of our children before any additional oversight is lifted.
“Director Hertel has touted a new statewide program to ensure the department meets its 25 federally monitored goals. But the fact remains that the most recent monitoring report showed the department met or exceeded standards in just six of 25 areas. It is simply not feasible that this program would be effective in representing the diverse needs of our state. MDHHS must demonstrate mastered success in all 25 standards before considering the removal of federal oversight.
“The tragic reality is that Michigan’s foster care system is failing to meet critical federal oversight standards under the leadership of MDHHS. These shortfalls include untimely responses to reports of abuse, inadequate training for caseworkers, and inconsistent follow-up with families. Stringent federal oversight must be maintained so that all 25 performance goals are met.
“Just two weeks ago, new reporting showed that many new foster children were being forced to sleep in office lobbies because the department didn’t have enough beds. How can any reasonable person think MDHHS is doing a satisfactory job? This department proves time and time again that it is simply not up to the task before it.
“Stringent oversight must be maintained in order to protect vulnerable children and families who rely on Michigan’s foster care system. We must ensure that more — not less — transparency, accountability and oversight are put upon MDHHS, to protect children, restore trust and support families in need of this invaluable service.”
