Michigan Department of Human Services
When the state cannot return a foster child to their home, the goal is to place children into adoptive homes as quickly as possible after parental rights have been terminated.
Together with private agencies, MDHHS staff searches for adoptive families that will best meet the needs of the child. Whenever possible, adoptive placements are made with relatives and foster parents and every effort is made to keep siblings together.
Michigan has been recognized as a leader for our innovative approach to adoption and our high adoptive placement rates. The success of Michigan's program can be attributed to the unique partnership between public and private agencies responsible for adoption planning and placement of foster children who become permanent wards.
Department of Human Services does not handle all types of adoptions. Parental consent adoption occurs when birth parents directly consent, in a court of law, to the adoption of their child. For information on direct placement adoptions, international adoptions, stepparent adoptions or any other type of adoption where a child is not a permanent court ward, contact a licensed private adoption agency in your county or the circuit court.
Services and information
- Traditional Foster Care
- Specialized / Therapeutic Care
- Emergency Foster Care
- Respite Foster Care
- Adoption
- Other
Requirements to become a foster parent
Parents can access the Michigan Foster Care Portal (MFCP), which is a tool that helps expedite licensure. The portal can track progress and list the next steps a foster parent needs to take. The MFCP also contains FAQs and helpful guides for parents.
In addition to online tools, foster families also receive some financial support. How much they receive depends on the child's age and needs. Parents may also be entitled to additional reimbursement that covers care costs.
Plus, foster families can access many local and state-wide support organizations and advocacy groups. These groups provide resources, answer questions, and are happy to help form connections between foster parents.
Your foster care agency is always there if you have questions or concerns. Their goal is to ensure the child's well-being and assist parents through the fostering process and beyond.
Another path you might want to consider is co-parenting with the birth parents. The end goal in most foster cases is to reunite a child with their parents or primary caregiver. You'll work with the birth parents anyway to set up visitations, and co-parenting can make your job easier.
Working further with the birth parents can also make the entire fostering process less stressful for a child. They won't feel as if they have to "choose" between homes and families.
Ratings and Reviews
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Sep 19, 2022
Just went to ask a question about form 6012 and the old blonde lady at the front desk was so rude and racist it was incredible I couldn't even believe it. I just grabbed my papers and left.
Sep 08, 2022
They asked me to email them proof of my assets, I sent it 5 TIMES on purpose because they always say they didn't get it. My husband is disabled and can no longer work, and my daughters are starving. All the bills and food rest on me. The cost of living has gone up but my pay has not, yet the state wants to steal my food stamps from me. I am sick of being treated this way and being stripped of everything because of their incompetence and because I am not the correct race or color.
Aug 23, 2022
Used to be able to contact some one in Lansing when you were having an issue with a local dhs but every number I've come across is either wrong or no longer in service. What In the heck
Apr 15, 2022
There was no reason to strip me of my food money, this is suspicious! I don't want to put my social security number on line!
Apr 12, 2022
Horrible. Never left a review before, felt the need to on this one. Horrible.