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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 9, 2025
CONTACT: Erin Stover, [email protected]
MDHHS raises awareness of the need for safe and loving homes during Foster Care Month
LANSING, Mich. – During Foster Care Month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is raising awareness of the need for additional foster parents to provide temporary care of children while the state works to reunify them safely with their parents.
“I’m grateful for the dedication of thousands of families across the state who have opened their hearts and homes to help keep kids safe,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “There is always need for more foster parents to help ensure every child in Michigan has a safe place to call home.”
Foster care identifies and places children in safe homes when they cannot remain with their families because of safety concerns. Foster families provide children with the consistency and support they need until they can be safely returned to their families. While the primary goal is to reunite the child or children with their parents, when they can’t be returned to their homes, foster parents can be asked to provide permanent homes through adoption.
In Michigan, there are approximately 10,000 children in foster care and nearly 200 children who still need an adoptive family.
MDHHS provides foster families a daily reimbursement rate to help with the care of foster children based on their age and specific needs. Foster families also receive a semi-annual clothing allowance, and many families qualify for reimbursement for the costs of day care. Children in foster care are eligible for Medicaid, which pays for medical, dental and mental health care.
How to become a foster parent:
- The first step in becoming a foster parent is to contact a Foster Care Navigator. Navigators are experienced foster parents who help guide prospective foster parents through the licensure process and provide additional resources and support.
- Prospective foster parents are required to attend a comprehensive orientation that reviews guidelines and walks participants through what they can expect as foster parents. Foster care agency representatives are also on hand to answer any questions.
- After attending orientation, prospective foster parents complete a licensing application packet. The application steps include fingerprinting, providing medical records and completing other requested paperwork from the licensing agency.
- Prospective foster parents are also required to attend free training that includes 20-25 hours of content, which helps prospective caregivers gain an understanding of the unique needs children in foster care may have.
- Before welcoming a child in foster care into their home, prospective foster parents must complete an on-site home evaluation performed by the licensing agent. The selected agency meets with prospective foster family several times for on-site home visits and interviews
Foster parents should be committed individuals who are:
- Willing to work with the child’s parents.
- Supportive of efforts to return the child home.
- Able to work with children who have emotional and behavioral needs.
- Able to encourage teens toward independent living.
- Willing to provide a permanent home if necessary.
To learn more about foster care, please visit Michigan.gov/HopeforaHome.