When a child abuse allegation is reported, the state is responding more quickly.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is updating the latest findings of a Child Protective Services audit. For example, in 2018, only 82% of investigations were reviewed within 14 days. That number is now at 94%.
Department Director Elizabeth Hertel is proud of that progress.
“We are ensuring that those children who need intervention earlier are getting that intervention, that our investigations are started promptly,” Hertel said. “We are seeing significant progress in the way that we’re doing our staffing and ensuring that families are able to stay together safely.”
Hertel says there’s still work to be done, including making sure kids that enter the foster care system are entering a stable environment.
