Wayne County approves amendments to multiple CMO contracts; officials discuss out‑of‑state placement option

The Wayne County Health and Human Services Committee approved Amendment 14 to multi‑year contracts (with three one‑year renewal options) for several care management organizations (CMOs) that provide juvenile services and comprehensive treatment plans.

Items approved together included amendments with Black Family Development, Bridgeway Services, CCMO Center for Youth and Families, GrowthWorks and Vista Maria/Inside Youth and Family Connections. Commissioner Baker McCormick moved approval of items 4 through 8; Commissioner Anderson supported the motion and the committee carried it by voice vote.

During discussion about GrowthWorks, staff explained that some CMOs have requested use of Buckeye Ranch, a residential facility in Ohio, because of placement wait lists within Michigan. County staff said no Wayne County youth had been transferred to Buckeye Ranch at the time of the meeting but noted one or two requests would require state approval through the interstate compact process before an out‑of‑state placement could occur. Staff described out‑of‑state placement as a last resort and said parents would be provided transportation if a transfer were approved.

Tawanna Reese, executive director of Inside Youth and Family Connections (which is merged administratively with Vista Maria), told the committee the merger provides fiscal and administrative oversight while Vista Maria addresses licensing and state oversight issues raised in recent media coverage. County staff said licensing inquiries and state‑level follow up were ongoing.

The committee took no separate roll call for each amendment; the motion covered items 4 through 8 collectively and the motion carried.