Performance Goals
The Child and Family Reviews are focused on performance. We must continue
to focus on strengthening families to help them provide adequate care of
their children. The level, and extent of, state intervention into a family's
life must be equivalent to the risk to the child. Michigan's ability to meet
the needs of children and families through services must reflect the basic
premises, that safety, permanency and child well-being are the major concerns
of child welfare. We need to remember that permanency, child well-being and
safety can, and should be, assured with their families. Services must safely
reduce unnecessary out-of-home placements and the length of time that children
live apart from their birth families before reunification. If reunification
is not possible, services must be provided to ensure a permanent placement
for children in a timely manner.