Michigan Court Reinstates Performance-Based Foster Care in Kent County

Restoration of Performance-Based Foster Care in Kent County by Michigan Court

In a significant ruling, Michigan's Court of Claims has reinstated a performance-based foster care management framework in Kent County, reversing recent changes made by the state. This decision could herald a resurgence for the West Michigan Partnership for Children (WMPC), a nonprofit organization previously overseeing this system.

Sonia Noorman, the CEO of WMPC, expressed her excitement over the court ruling, stating, “We’re very excited.” The organization had previously sued the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) due to funding reductions enacted in October. Noorman confirmed, “We’re still fully staffed, operational, ready to go if and when the department reaches out.”

In Kent County, the foster care system has uniquely operated under a state-mandated performance-based model, distinguishing it from other counties statewide. WMPC was designated as the local agency managing this approach. However, a budget modification had previously eliminated the agency's designation, shifting the administrative responsibilities to MDHHS, which claimed the changes would not affect the 426 children in foster care as the agencies continued to deliver services directly.

Both WMPC and MDHHS do not directly provide foster care services; instead, they oversee a network of five agencies that handle placements. According to WMPC, this model has led to enhanced standards and improved outcomes for children and families.

Noorman noted concerns over monitoring the well-being of children post-transition, remarking, “So I’m really hopeful there hasn’t been any interruption of service. I think this system really impacts outcomes for children more long-term.”

WMPC claims its management has led to reduced durations of foster care placements and an increase in placements with relatives. The organization has also established specialized care programs for children requiring additional support. Conversely, MDHHS raised questions about these results, referencing a University of Michigan study indicating that the outcomes were not significantly superior to those observed in other counties, while also highlighting increased costs associated with WMPC's administration.

The ruling by Judge Christopher Yates appeared to favor WMPC's operational model, recognizing that their services led to “measurably improved outcomes for the children.” Yates emphasized the importance of maintaining a performance-based and prospective payment system in Kent County, which allows agencies to receive payments upfront, contrasting with systems in other counties.

Despite upholding WMPC’s model, Yates clarified that the court could not compel MDHHS to subcontract responsibilities to WMPC as in previous arrangements. He provided MDHHS with a 30-day period to develop a compliant operational system.

Noorman mentioned that WMPC had reached out to MDHHS following the ruling but was still awaiting a response. Inquiries made by Michigan Public to MDHHS regarding the holiday period yielded no immediate comments.