The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) proudly announced the remarkable success of its innovative initiative, the Family Impact Teams (FIT), which has provided crucial services to over 500 families at risk of neglect in 12 counties within a span of less than two months. Director Elizabeth Hertel visited the MDHHS office in Port Huron to discuss the project’s accomplishments.
FIT integrates family resource specialists with child protection and foster care staff, offering families support in accessing benefits, Medicaid, and other economic aids. The program aligns with MDHHS Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, aiming to prevent child neglect through economic assistance, ensuring children can thrive safely with their parents or facilitating reunification if foster care is necessary.
The first phase of FIT, initiated in August, spans counties including Allegan, Barry, Chippewa, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Luce, Mackinac, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Wayne.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
