The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS), Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing (BCAL), issued an order of summary suspension and notice of intent to revoke the license of an Ingham County group child care home provider, Joyce Cathey (Reser), #DG330277374, 1520 West Mount Hope Ave., Lansing. This action resulted from a recent investigation of a complaint of the group child care home.

The July 22, 2008, complaint investigation found violations of the Child Care Organizations Act and administrative rules regarding suitability of the caregiver; good moral character and suitability of child care home family; appropriate care and supervision; caregiver responsibilities; records of care giving staff; and ratio of care giving staff to children. BCAL took emergency action to protect the health, welfare, and safety of children.

Effective 6 p.m., July 24, 2008, the summary suspension order prohibits Joyce Cathey (Reser) from operating a group child care home at 1520 West Mount Hope Ave., Lansing, or at any other address or location. Accordingly, she may not accept children for care after that date and time. The order also requires Ms. Cathey to inform all of the parents of children in her care that her license has been suspended and that she can no longer provide child care.

Michigan law defines a group child care home as "a private home in which more than six but not more than 12 minor children are given care and supervision for periods of less than 24 hours a day, unattended by a parent or legal guardian, except children related to an adult member of the family by blood, marriage, or adoption. Group child care home includes a home that gives care to an unrelated minor child for more than four weeks during a calendar year."

For more information, please consult the DHS Web site at www.michigan.gov/dhs