Michigan's Women, Infants & Children program, providing supplemental nutrition, breastfeeding information, and other resources for healthy mothers & babies.
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If you cannot afford child care, payment assistance is available.
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Information about the health care programs available through Medicaid and how to qualify.
Our migrant program works with a number of organizations to provide services for Michigan’s migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
A federal program which helps persons admitted into the U.S. as refugees to become self-sufficient after their arrival.
Universal caseload, or task-based processing, is a different way of handling public assistance cases.
Information on the Children's Protective Services Program, child abuse reporting procedures, and help for parents in caring for their children.
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Programs for healthy children & families, including immunization, lead poisoning prevention, prenatal smoking cessation, and many others.
Information on the Children's Foster Care program and becoming a Foster Parent.
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MDHHS and partners support a continuum of prevention services. The continuum is inclusive of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention activities. Visit this page to learn more.
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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' (MDHHS) Division of Environmental Health (DEH) uses the best available science to reduce, eliminate, or prevent harm from environmental, chemical, and physical hazards.
Resources and information to assist in assuring firearm safety for families in the state of Michigan.
The Division of Victim Services (DVS) provides a voice advocating for and responding to all victims of crime in Michigan. Learn more about DVS-funded programs and services, including Michigan’s 24/7, free, confidential, and anonymous domestic violence and sexual assault hotlines.
Medical Resources for Child Protection
Serves as liaison and provides funding to Michigan’s 45 local health departments.
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Prevention of diseases & conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and many others.
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Home to an array of public health programs, initiatives and interventions aimed at improving the health and well-being of women, infants, families and communities.
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Information & resources for Community and Faith-Based partners
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Health Care Providers
Licensing information for Adult Foster Care and Homes for the Aged, Child Day Care Facilities, Child Caring Institutions, Children's Foster Care Homes, Child Placing Agencies, Juvenile Court Operated Facilities and Children's or Adult Foster Care Camps.
Michigan Statewide Systems of Care
Information on the grant awarded for the State Innovation Model Proposal
Protect MiFamily -Title IV-E Waiver
Offers resources for agencies who operate the Weatherization Assistance Program in the state of Michigan
Information is collected to monitor the general health and well-being of Michigan citizens.
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A variety of reports & statistics for programs and services.
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Heather Wing was first introduced to the Michigan Foster Care Closet (MFCC) when it was a small organization operating out of a home basement. She volunteered with her church, feeling inspired by the difference they were making for kids in foster care. She realized through this experience that her perception of ‘kids in foster care’ changed. Youth in foster care are no different than any other children. She felt compelled to get involved with foster care after her volunteer experience.
Heather and her husband got their home ready to foster and completed the licensing process to care for a baby. They felt it was important to include their two children in the decision, and their family of four welcomed the baby into their home. Although the infant only stayed with them for a few days, the experience prepared their family to care for future children longer.
When a brother and sister came to stay with the Wing family, they brought only the clothes they were wearing – but Heather knew what to do. This time, she was on the other side of the foster closet. She noted that this was the children’s first time in foster care, and that the boy’s experience picking out new clothes and toys was one of the few decisions he could make for himself. His experience at MFCC brought joy into his life during a difficult time. Heather experienced the positive impact of the MFCC through his eyes.
Heather noted that she initially felt strange walking away with someone else’s child. During her first experiences fostering, she found it hard to emotionally bond. Over time, it began to feel more like she was caring for her own child. When a baby boy in their home could be adopted, the Wing family added a fifth member. Several years later, the baby’s brother was born and was also able to be adopted. The Wing family grew once again.
Heather stays busy caring for her four kids and serves as the vice president of the MFCC. The organization has grown so much that it now occupies a 13,000 square foot retail space in Ann Arbor. Scheduling an appointment is required to receive services. The Michigan Foster Care Closet welcomes foster families to make an appointment. For more information about the great work they are doing or to make a donation (items or monetary), you can visit their website here.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for providing safe and loving homes for kids in foster care. We are pleased to feature organizations offering services to foster families. If you are aware of any organizations, such as the Michigan Foster Care Closet, making a positive difference for children and families experiencing foster care in Michigan, please share them with us. Email Monica Jackson at JacksonM9@michigan.gov with any organization recommendations.