In January of 2006, Marianne Udow, Director of the Michigan DHS, and Maura Corrigan, Michigan Supreme Court Justice, convened a statewide permanency taskforce.  The 45 member Task Force included representatives from the Departments of Labor and Economic Growth, Education, Community Health, Mental Health and Housing. Members also included private child placement agencies, state foundations, youth advocacy groups and associations of foster and adoptive parents.  Each of the taskforce subcommittees was co-chaired by a member of the State Foster Youth Policy Board.

The task force   has been charged by the Michigan legislature to: assess current services, enhance the coordination of services and identify potential public and private resources and services. Each sub-committee placed a priority on recommendations that would have the greatest impact, but also would be possible in a time of serious state budget challenges. 

Taken together, these initiatives and the activities related to them comprise a comprehensive approach to helping foster youth and young people as they leave foster care and acquire the knowledge, skills, experiences, and supports they will need for adulthood.

Michigan was also chosen to participate in the National Governor's Policy Academy on Youth Transitioning from Foster Care based on the state's current efforts that clearly complement the goals and objectives of this project.