Downriver Today

State Representative Jamie Thompson has called for urgent improvements to Michigan's child welfare system following a recent report by the Office of the Auditor General. The report highlights ongoing procedural deficiencies within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' Child Protective Services (CPS) division, issues that were first identified in a 2018 audit.

The original audit revealed several problems, including failure to conduct necessary background checks, delays in initiating abuse investigations, inadequate safety plans for victims, and instances where meetings with victims did not occur. The new follow-up report indicates these issues persist.

Thompson expressed her concerns: “I have been clear for the duration of this term – it’s the state’s responsibility to ensure children who are in the care of the state are protected and safe,” she stated. She questioned whether failures to protect children would continue or if there would be accountability. "How many more vulnerable children must be failed before the Legislature and the governor’s administration act? It’s time to stop these failures and protect these kids.”

The Auditor General's review found individuals involved in child care had prior felony convictions, including serious charges such as first-degree sexual assault and domestic violence. The department has yet to implement adequate safety plans or consistently conduct in-person interviews. Additionally, MDHHS remains non-compliant with state law requiring abuse investigations to begin within 24 hours; current policies allow up to a 72-hour delay.

“This is in direct contrast to state law,” Thompson said. “When we allow these types of things to fall through the cracks, the safety of children falls through the cracks – and that’s completely unacceptable.”

Thompson has actively advocated for legislative action on child welfare issues. Last year, after meeting with affected families, she requested an official performance review of Northville Township's Hawthorn Center by OAG to assess patient care and staff opinions on treatment effectiveness.

As part of her role on various House committees related to families and health policy, Thompson urged Democrat committee chairs to hold hearings addressing Michigan's child welfare shortcomings. This would provide a platform for impacted individuals and pursue necessary solutions.

“As a mother, I have been shocked by these consistent failures,” Thompson said. She emphasized that media investigations into how Michigan cares for its children underscore an ongoing problem needing immediate attention from state authorities.