The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is calling for kinship caregivers to step forward and join a new advisory council. This move, aimed at amplifying the voices of those who provide full-time care for children within their family or close network, seeks to bring lived experience to the forefront of policymaking.
As reported by The Detroit News, Michigan's formation of these council comes at a time when the state is seeking to broaden the support for families that provide kinship care, whether it's through formal arrangements or informal setups. MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel stated, "Michigan has been a national leader in kinship care and believes children who need placements outside their homes should be placed with relatives or other close family friends whenever possible." Hertel further emphasized the importance of maintaining children's connections to their community and aligning with the state’s priority to keep families together.
Data from the Kinship Care Resource Center at Michigan State University highlights the scope of the situation, noting that there may be upward of 54,000 children in Michigan living under kinship care arrangements. The call for advisory council members supports efforts to better understand and address the challenges these families face, including engaging with support groups and launching public awareness campaigns, as mentioned in an MDHHS press release.
Historically, kinship caregivers have not been afforded the same recognition or resources as traditional foster care providers. However, following a Detroit News project in 2022, Michigan moved to equitably acknowledge kinship caregivers, matching their financial assistance and licensing requirements to those of other foster caregivers. These decisions represent a significant policy shift and provides a beacon of hope for many kin families who have often felt overlooked and under-supported.
Applications to join the Kinship Advisory Council are welcomed from individuals with direct kinship experience as well as professionals from a variety of fields. The advisory council is especially interested in applicants from diverse backgrounds to ensure a broad range of perspectives are represented. Interested parties have until June 28 to apply, as per instructions provided on the council's official application page.
For those seeking more information or looking to take part in shaping the landscape of kinship care in Michigan, further details about the application process can be requested by emailing Jessica Bodell at [email protected].
