Livingston Today

LANSING, Mich.— Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, expressed strong criticism towards the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) regarding its management of the state's foster care system. He emphasized the necessity for immediate improvements and increased accountability following reports that MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel aims to remove federal oversight from the program by 2026.

Runestad stated, “Michigan’s foster care system has been under federal oversight since 2008 because of despicable levels of mismanagement. We need to see concrete evidence of success across all monitored areas to ensure the safety and well-being of our children before any additional oversight is lifted."

He further commented on Director Hertel's new statewide program designed to meet 25 federally monitored goals. However, he pointed out that "the most recent monitoring report showed the department met or exceeded standards in just six of 25 areas." Runestad insists that MDHHS must show complete success in all standards before considering lifting federal oversight.

Runestad highlighted issues such as untimely responses to abuse reports, inadequate caseworker training, and inconsistent family follow-ups. He remarked, “Stringent federal oversight must be maintained so that all 25 performance goals are met.”

Additionally, Runestad referenced recent reports indicating a lack of adequate accommodations for new foster children, forcing them to sleep in office lobbies due to insufficient beds. He questioned MDHHS's effectiveness: “How can any reasonable person think MDHHS is doing a satisfactory job?”

He concluded by stressing the importance of maintaining stringent oversight for protecting vulnerable children and families dependent on Michigan’s foster care system. “We must ensure that more — not less — transparency, accountability and oversight are put upon MDHHS," said Runestad.