March 31, 2014
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of Danita Echols, of Detroit, to the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect.
Executive Order 2013-4 established the task force, which is an 18-member panel consisting of professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child maltreatment related fatalities.
“Protecting Michigan’s most vulnerable children is critically important and I look forward to the contributions Danita will make to the board,” Snyder said.
Echols recently served as a campus coach and research assistant for the Transition to Independence Program at the Wayne State University School of Social Work, where she provided navigation for foster care alum between the Department of Human Services, the community, and university. She also served as a trainer and curriculum developer for the DHS Child Welfare Training Institute and served in numerous capacities with foster care. Echols holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s of social work in community development from Wayne State University. She will represent child protective services agencies and will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Danielle Loupee.
Echols will serve the remainder of a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2014, and her appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate.
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