Michigan human services enter a new era today. Beginning today, Michigan's Family Independence Agency becomes the Michigan Department of Human Services, the state's public assistance, child and adult services department. Governor Jennifer M. Granholm authored Executive Order 2004-38 last December creating the Michigan Department of Human Services. The order renames the department to more accurately reflect its mission.

"The new name more accurately reflects the breadth of services its employees provide including early childhood services," said Granholm.

Department of Human Services director Marianne Udow said the name change reflects activities cited in the department's 2005-2008 Strategic Plan. "Our new name better suggests the comprehensive range of programs we provide and represents our mission to reduce poverty, give children a great start in life, and help our clients achieve their full potential," she said.

Udow said there is no direct cost related to changing online department products such as letterhead, business card templates and forms. The department will replace office signs on an ongoing basis as funds are available. The Department of Human Services has about 10,300 employees in more than 100 offices around the state. It administers services through a network of county and district offices including:

• Cash assistance programs including the federal TANF grant and the Food Stamp Program.
• The state child support program.
• Child protection, adoption, foster care and juvenile justice services for youths.
• Adult protection, community placement and home help services.
• 39 Family Resource Centers located in community schools.
• Licensing and regulation of adult foster care homes, homes for the aged, child day care facilities, child caring institutions, child placing agencies and children's camps.
• Independent units of state government including Disability Determination Service, Early Childhood Investment Corporation, Children's Trust Fund, Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board and Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity.

The department was known as the Department of Social Services from 1965-95, when the state Legislature renamed it the Family Independence Agency during the welfare reform era of the 1990s. It was known as the State Welfare Department from 1939-65.