Stories and our Latest News
In an effort to keep our community aware of happenings across the state that relate to the mission of Michigan CASA and others involved in the protection of children, we will share relative articles and videos here. If you are aware of news releases or media broadcasts that would build awareness please email to information@michigancasa.org
Michigan to become first in U.S. to implement kinship care rule for relatives taking in loved ones
Michigan will become the first state in the country to acknowledge kinship caregivers with the same level of financial assistance and licensing requirements as other foster care providers.
Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bills to Protect Children and Cut Red Tape
Governor Whitmer signed two bipartisan bills to better protect foster care children in Michigan and ensure they are receiving a high-quality education.
The aim in Michigan is to increase the number of licensed Muslim foster care families
Michigan has a sizable Muslim population but only about 10 licensed Muslim foster care homes. It's difficult to place Muslim foster children with families of the same religious or cultural background.
Nonprofit opens home for youth aging out of foster care
A Grand Rapids adoption and foster care program is attempting to make the transition to adulthood easier for teens.
Advocates for Michigan foster youth hope education reforms will pass this year
When Christian Goode transferred from a traditional high school to Lakeside Academy, a state-licensed residential foster care facility near Kalamazoo, some of his academic records never made it over.
As a result, he had to repeat an entire year of classes, and redo school work he had already completed.
“At times, I didn’t want to do it, because I had already done it,” Goode said of the work. “It felt like I was forgotten and no one cared.”
Need for more foster families grows
Especially following the pandemic, there is a need for foster parents in Michigan. There are approximately 10,000 children in foster care in the state, and nearly 200 children who still need an adoptive family.
Experienced Court Leader Chosen to be Regional Administrator
Zenell Brown appointed to oversee Wayne County trial courts
CASA of Kent County has a new website
If you've visited the CASA of Kent County website recently, you may have noticed something is a bit different... their brand-new website.
Study Reveals Foster Children 4x More Likely to Get Psychotropic Drugs
Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) International says a recent study published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology has unveiled the high prevalence of psychotropic drug usage among foster children.
CASA volunteers will continue to advocate for the best interests of children going back to school
As children and youth in the foster care system return to their schools or are faced with entering a new school environment, CASA volunteers will continue to advocate for the best interests of children and help families identify resources for them to be successful.
Kathleen Brach receives Michigan CASA Emeritus Board Member position
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to express our gratitude to Kathleen for her considerable contributions and dedication to Michigan CASA, Inc. as a valued board member and constant supporter.
Amid a Mental Health Crisis, Foster Children Are Forgotten
Recently, while I was conducting a survey investigating the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on children’s mental health, I noticed all my phone conversations were starting the same way: I would introduce myself as Tom, a medical student at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan, then ask if the person I was speaking to was the parent or guardian of the patient I was inquiring about
UPDATED: An ‘unimaginable’ conversation stirs in the U.S. Supreme Court
Native American tribes in Michigan are joining hundreds of others across the country, waiting on a U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Indian Child Welfare Act.
CASA OF MENOMINEE/MARINETTE SWEARS IN VOLUNTEERS
CASA of Menominee/Marinette is pleased to announce the swearing-in of several new and existing advocates. These volunteers become the first in Michigan and Wisconsin with the ability to serve across state lines.
Grand Rapids agency launches campaign to debunk foster care myths, recruit parents
D. A. Blodgett-St. John's, located at 2172 Dean Lake Ave. NE, has launched an awareness campaign, encouraging Kent County families to consider becoming foster parents to meet the need for more safe homes for children.
Senate Approves Bipartisan Effort To Help Guardians Who Care For Tribal Children
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Sens. John Damoose, R- Harbor Springs and Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, to expand access to the Guardianship Assistance Program was approved by the Senate on Wednesday.
New MI-Resolve Family System Helps to Address Parenting Time Issues
New MI-Resolve Family System Helps to Address Parenting Time Issues. Statewide platform is free and accessible at any time using smart phones, tablets, computers
Grand Haven parents charged with child abuse after infant nearly freezes to death in car
The four-month-old baby has since been placed into foster care.