Capitol News

State Representatives Angela Rigas and Luke Meerman sought answers from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) in a recent Child Welfare Subcommittee hearing. The focus was the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) report on MDHHS’s Children’s Protective Services (CPS) and the department’s proficiency in handling child abuse and neglect investigations. The report highlighted deficiencies in conducting adequate criminal and CPS history checks following a policy change.

State Rep. Angela Rigas pointed to a critical disconnect between state law, requiring investigations to commence within 24 hours of a report, and MDHHS policy, which allows up to 72 hours for contact with the child. “That’s alarming,” Rigas remarked after discovering that the department failed to meet its own 72-hour deadline in 11% of cases. “It’s inexcusable that someone can report a child being abused, and three days later, someone still hasn’t shown up to make sure that child is okay.”

The report drew on conclusions from a 2018 assessment, which had also identified severe operational issues within CPS, noting incomplete compliance with recommended corrective actions. The situation was alarming to Rep. Luke Meerman, the subcommittee chair. “The job of CPS is to protect children from abuse and neglect, and there are few, if any, responsibilities that government has that are more important,” Meerman emphasized.

The Auditor General’s office reiterated systemic problems, with some children remaining in precarious environments while investigations faced delays. “Arguably no other public body in Michigan has received worse audit results than CPS,” Meerman added. He stressed the necessity for legislative oversight to resolve these chronic issues.

Further testimonies from the Auditor General's office and CPS are scheduled for the upcoming Child Welfare System Subcommittee meeting.