Demetrius Starling has been named the new executive director of the Children’s Services Agency for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). He has over 20 years of experience protecting children and assisting families in Michigan.
The MDHHS Children’s Services Agency oversees the state’s child welfare systems which includes Children’s Protective Services or CPS.
Starling has worked for MDHHS and CPS in a variety of capacities in many Southeast Michigan counties including St. Clair, Sanilac, and Macomb.
Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS Director, said, “Demetrius Starling knows what it takes to protect the well-being of children by helping them stay with their families when it is safe and finding the most family-like settings for them when it’s unsafe for them to return home. He has a proven track record of success working in the child welfare system in both urban and rural communities. He is committed to diversity and equity and has the skills to continue the ongoing transformation of Michigan’s child protection system.”
Starling is also a member of the statewide Children’s Services Agency Anti-Racism Transformation Team and Court Improvement Process Team, and he has developed initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and address human trafficking.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
