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Child Welfare Services
There are thousands of children in foster care in Michigan and over
500,000 children in foster care nationally. Many children are languishing in the legal
system instead of being moved toward permanent homes. In 2003, the Michigan Supreme Court created a Child Welfare Services division (CWS) within the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) to address this issue.
The goal of the Child Welfare Services division is to help courts expedite permanent placement for children
through programs such as the Court Improvement Program, Training and Development, and the Foster Care Review Board
Program. CWS plays a significant role in the federal Child and Family Services Review and Title IV-E reviews, both of which include safety and permanency goals, by providing trainings and helping to implement federal recommendations. In addition, CWS monitors the special dockets that track children who are
absent from their foster care placements without legal permission (AWOLP). CWS also encourages family courts to participate
in several collaborative efforts developed between the Michigan Supreme Court and the Department of Human Services, including Michigan Adoption Day.
Staff and Contact Information
Child Welfare Services
State Court Administrative Office
Detroit:
3034 W. Grand Boulevard
Suite 8-400
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 972-3288
FAX (313) 972-3289
Lansing:
PO Box 30048
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 373-8036
FAX (517) 373-8922
Related Links:
Michigan Laws, Court Rules, and Forms Associated with Child Protection
Child Welfare Information Gateway
http://www.childwelfare.gov/
800-394-3366
National Child Welfare Resource Center on Legal and Judicial Issues
http://www.abanet.org/child/rclji/education/home.html
800-285-2221
National Court Apponted Special Advocates for Children
http://www.nationalcasa.org/
800-628-3233
National Resource Directory
http://www.childwelfare.com/
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