In Michigan, Children's Protective Services (CPS) and Friend of the Court (FOC) offices operate separately in the executive and judicial branches of the government. However, they are equally dedicated to the best interests and safety of the children they serve. Because families may be involved with both CPS and the FOC, there is a need to coordinate activities between these agencies.

Several state and county agencies appointed employees to form a workgroup to make recommendations for coordinating local FOC and CPS activities. The workgroup developed the document Recommendations for Coordination between Friends of the Court and Department of Human Services' Children's Protective Services.

Local CPS and FOC staff can use these recommendations to coordinate activities that work best in their respective counties. The recommendations are also intended to assist families in understanding the roles and responsibilities of CPS and FOC.