Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced the launch of a new Children Services Administration (CSA) teaming and support model, set to begin in April. This initiative aims to improve outcomes for families across the state by enhancing collaboration among various staff members.

Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS Director, explained the rationale behind the new model: “The model in which a CPS staff person is assigned to a family and works independently throughout the process keeps that worker tied up in administrative burden and other tasks instead of focusing on the needed supports and attention to the family.” She added that the new approach will involve teams comprising caseworkers, economic support staff, supervisors, and others working collaboratively. "We are rebuilding the system to better serve communities and residents, along with our staff who face high rates of burnout and staff turnover."

Under this teaming model, employees will have defined roles with clear expectations for collaboration from when families enter the child welfare system. The team includes caseworkers, supervisors, family resource specialists, among others. This cohesive effort is intended to address specific needs such as economic or educational support while improving employee experience and reducing turnover.

Anticipated benefits of this model include increased shared decision-making opportunities and apprenticeship-based learning. It is also expected to improve permanency rates for families by decreasing handoffs within the child welfare system. Additionally, it aims to build community support resources that strengthen long-term support foundations.

This initiative aligns with MDHHS's Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda focused on prevention, intervention, stability, wellness, and workforce improvements. Announced in 2023 after four years of development based on best practices in child welfare, it commits MDHHS to uphold high national standards.

Initial implementation will begin with one or two teams in counties including Allegan and Barry; Macomb; Sanilac and St. Clair; Saginaw; Grand Traverse; Kalkaska; Leelanau. A statewide rollout is planned for early 2026.