DHHS says foster-care childcare fund on track; agency highlights community events and trainings

The Jackson County Human Services Committee on an unspecified September date heard a quarterly report from the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) on foster care funding and recent program activity.

Jennifer Stikatowetz, foster care program manager at MDHHS, told the committee the department is on track to spend its 2024–25 foster-care budget without exceeding expenses. She clarified the childcare fund referenced in the report covers the cost of care for youth in foster care or youth placed in residential facilities; it is not childcare for parents working outside the home. Foster parents receive payments from that fund when they provide care for youth in foster homes.

Stikatowetz also highlighted recent community partnerships and events. Cascades Baptist Church donated about 75 filled backpacks with school supplies for youth in foster care. MDHHS held a foster-parent support event in August that included a food truck and provided backpacks, and on the most recent annual fall conference the department offered six hours of training for foster parents, including sessions on trauma and an empathy-focused presentation. The department provided childcare and lunch for attendees.

She noted September is Michigan Infant Safe Sleep Awareness month and pointed committee members to michigan.gov for safe-sleep guidance; she said Jackson County has seen several sleep-related infant deaths in recent years. Stikatowetz listed regular partnership meetings and trainings attended by Jackie Carafino, MDHHS director, and by MDHHS staff — including mandated-reporter trainings for schools, and participation in local networks such as My Place governance and the recovery task force.

Commissioner Bair moved — and Commissioner Williams seconded — a motion to receive the report; the committee voted in favor by voice vote.