Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has partnered with HopSkipDrive to provide reliable transportation for children in foster care in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. This initiative aims to help these children stay connected to their current schools and after-school activities.

“This transportation solution enhances our department’s commitment to supporting the social and educational needs of Michigan youth experiencing foster care,” stated Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. She highlighted that resource limitations often make it challenging for youth placed outside their original school districts to continue attending their previous schools. Access to HopSkipDrive’s network is expected to ensure consistent school attendance.

HopSkipDrive is a technology company addressing complex transportation challenges with a focus on safety, equity, and care. The company collaborates with over 600 school districts, government agencies, and nonprofits across the United States. It offers additional transportation options through its CareDrivers network—local drivers vetted with at least five years of caregiving experience.

MDHHS case managers will coordinate rides for foster families using the HopSkipDrive app. The rides will be billed directly to MDHHS under the terms of their contract with HopSkipDrive.

This partnership builds on HopSkipDrive's ongoing work in Michigan since its 2022 launch. The company initially collaborated with the Detroit Public Schools Community District and other local school districts and recently expanded into Grand Rapids. Joanna McFarland, Co-founder and CEO of HopSkipDrive, emphasized the importance of ensuring students in vulnerable populations do not miss any school days due to transportation issues.

“We know that a child’s ride to school can be the difference between a good day and a bad day," McFarland said. "We should all work to ensure students in vulnerable populations don’t miss any day."

The need for reliable transportation is underscored by findings from the HopSkipDrive 2024 State of School Transportation Report. According to the report, 21% of school district leaders identify transportation challenges as a significant factor contributing to chronic absenteeism. Additionally, more than two-thirds believe that students facing homelessness or living in foster care will have higher absenteeism rates without access to dependable transport options.