Published September 2024Advocate.Collaborate.Make a Difference.Annual Report2024
MISSIONVISIONThe mission of the Michigan Federationfor Children and Families is to influencepublic policy and practice in support ofthe highest quality services to childrenand families.Core values provide focus, drivedecisions, and are embraced by allmember agencies:All children deserve excellence inservice and our best efforts toensure they grow up in strongfamilies and supportivecommunities.Strategic advocacy is critical toassuring sound public policy andsufficient resources for qualityservices.Partnerships and collaboration areessential to providing effectiveservices and achieving successfuloutcomes.Equity, diversity, and inclusivenessare vital elements in the fullcontinuum of human services. The Michigan Federation for Childrenand Families envisions communitieswhere all children, youth, and familiesthrive.Mission, Vision,Core valuesCORE VALUESBOARD OF DIRECTORSUrsula Ahart Federation of Youth ServicesGina Aranki Child & Family Services of Northwestern MichiganElizabeth Carey Starr CommonwealthSean de Four MiSideMichael Garrett CNS HealthcareDavid Gehm Wellspring Lutheran ServicesLenora Hardy-Foster Judson CenterMaria Lessnau Christ Child HouseSara Miller Child & Family Services of the Upper PeninsulaSonia Noorman West Michigan Partnership for ChildrenKatie Page-Sander Hands Across the WaterMegan Pena Hope Network Behavioral Health ServicesCathey Prudhomme Eagle VillageKevin Roach MCHS Family of ServicesEmily Schab Bethany Christian ServicesEliakim Thorpe ACTS II MinistryJennifer Trotter Guiding HarborKevin Van Den Bosch SamaritasRick Watkins New Light Child & Family InstituteMichigan Federation for Children and Families 2024 Annual Report
Letter from theExecutive DirectorDear Federation Members, Partners, and Friends, We are delighted to present our 2023-2024 Annual Report, a reflection of theFederation's extraordinary journey and the unwavering dedication of ourmembers to excellence in serving children, families, and communities. Ourmission, deeply rooted in strong advocacy to enhance public policy andpractice while supporting the highest quality services, continues to guide us inour commitment to Michigan’s communities. We take immense pride in ourpartnerships with community-based organizations across the state, as wesupport work that makes a direct and lasting impact on children, youth, andfamilies every day. These collaborative efforts among Federation staff,members, and community partners have magnified our influence andcontributed significantly to the Federation’s enduring legacy. This year, together, we have tackled significant challenges and seizedopportunities, ranging from building robust relationships to advocating forlegislative investments. Our efforts in state budget advocacy have securednearly $300 million for behavioral health, child welfare, and juvenile justiceservices for fiscal year 2025. Additionally, our cutting-edge resource sharingand engagement through the Federation’s Member Interest Networkmeetings have expanded exponentially in both scope and memberparticipation. The Federation’s network forms the fabric of care that supports Michigan’schildren, youth, and families. Our strength lies in the diversity of experiences,populations, and expertise within our network, which enriches our knowledgeand enhances our service delivery. We continue to learn together, addresschallenges, and strive for continuous improvement. This year has been noexception, and we are proud to showcase the impact of our work acrossMichigan’s communities. As we look ahead to 2025, our mission remains our guiding light, inspiring us toachieve new levels of excellence and make a meaningful difference forchildren and families throughout Michigan. It is an incredible privilege to bepart of this vibrant community!Warm regards, Michigan Federation for Children and Families 2024 Annual ReportFederation StaffJanet Reynolds Snyder, MBA, Executive DirectorKadi Prout, LMSW, Associate Executive DirectorElizabeth Henderson, MSW, Director of Policy and ResearchRose Homa, Director of Administration & OperationsJenny Crichton, GMS, Director of Member Relations & Events
57 FULL MEMBERSACTS II Ministry for TeensAdoption Option, Inc.Bethany Christian ServicesD.A. Blodgett–St. John’sCatholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton & Clinton CountiesCatholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee & Hillsdale CountiesCatholic Charities of Shiawassee & Genesee CountiesCatholic Charities of Southeast MichiganCatholic Charities West MichiganCatholic Social Services of the Upper PeninsulaChild & Family CharitiesChild & Family Services of Northwestern MichiganChild & Family Services of the Upper PeninsulaThe Children’s CenterChrist Child HouseCNS HealthcareEagle VillageFamily & Children ServicesFamily Outreach CenterFamily Service & Children’s AidFederation of Youth ServicesForever FamiliesFostering FuturesFostering SolutionsGenacross Family & Youth ServicesGreat Lakes Recovery CentersThe Guidance CenterGuiding HarborHands Across the WaterHighfields, Inc.Holy Cross ServicesHomes for Black ChildrenHope Network Behavioral Health ServicesHouse of ProvidenceInsight Youth & Family ConnectionsJudson CenterLivingston County Catholic CharitiesMCHS Family of ServicesMiSideThe New Foster CareNew Light Child & Family InstituteNortheast Michigan Family Resource CenterOrchards Children’s ServicesSamaritasServices to Enhance Potential (STEP)Spaulding for ChildrenStarfish Family ServicesStarr CommonwealthTeaching Family Homes of Upper MichiganU.P. KIDSUpper Peninsula Family SolutionsVista MariaWedgwood Christian ServicesWellspring Lutheran ServicesWest Michigan Partnership for ChildrenWhaley Children’s CenterYouth Guidance Foster Care & Adoption 4 AFFILIATE MEMBERSBridgeway Services, Inc.Children's Advocacy Centers of MichiganMichigan CASA, Inc.Michigan State University School of Social WorkFederationMembersNew in 2024, an interactive MEMBER MAP was developed to provide an accessibleplatform to increase awareness of wherecommunity-based organizations are locatedthroughout Michigan and to understand theservices available in different communities. CLICK ON THE MAP to search by an individualagency or service type or zoom into an area toidentify the agencies and services available in a specific location. Michigan Federation for Children and Families 2024 Annual Report
Advocacy andPolicy Priorities Michigan Federation for Children and Families 2024 Annual ReportThe Federation’s 2024 Advocacy and Policy Priorities focused on strengthening systems andpolicies that will improve the human services system and lead to the best outcomes for childrenand families receiving services delivered by Michigan’s network of community-basedorganizations.Fully fund the COST OFPROVIDINGQUALITY SERVICESto children andfamilies inMichigan.Work collectively to build a STATEWIDE HIGH-QUALITYCONTINUUM OFCARE that supportsfamilies andcommunities.Center on EQUITY to reducedisparateoutcomes forchildren andfamilies.Create a FAMILY-FOCUSEDCHILD WELFARESYSTEM thatintegrates a twogeneration (2Gen)approach to familywell-being.Expand ACCESS OFBEHAVIORALHEALTH SERVICESto children,adolescents, andfamilies as a prioritypopulation.
Legislative Advocacy ANNUAL EXECUTIVE LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY DAYSTATE AND FEDERAL ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES17MEMBERAGENCIESREPRESENTED35EXECUTIVESAND SENIORLEADERSATTENDED66MEETINGSWITHLEGISLATORSAt the Federation’s annual EXECUTIVE LEGISLATIVEAND ADVOCACY DAY, Rep. Christine Morse, Chair ofthe House Appropriations Health and Human ServicesSubcommittee, praised the work of community-based organizations. Rep. Graham Filler, HouseAssistant Floor Leader, shared insights on advocatingfor crucial budget and policy priorities.Helping policymakers understand the important workof community-based organization is critical to childwelfare and behavioral health system improvements.Thank you to all who participated and championedthe needs of children and families across the state!Michigan Federation for Children and Families 2024 Annual ReportCoordinated and supported memberlegislative testimony on key budgetand policy priorities.Communicated weekly with ourlobbying team at Public AffairsAssociates to coordinate advocacyefforts and strategies for advancingpolicy and budget priorities.Direct advocacy through individualmeetings with legislators. Ongoing communication with theSenate and House fiscal agencies andMDHHS Financial Operations toadvocate and educate on the impactof budget and policy decisions oncommunity-based organizations.DevelopedISSUE BRIEFSto informdecisionmakersSubmittedCARDS OFSUPPORTon key legislationSupportedmembersin providingEXPERTTESTIMONYDevelopedACTION ALERTSand sign-onlettersMet withlegislatorsto advocate forADVOCACY &POLICYPRIORITIES
Budget AdvocacyMember Dues ROI KEY STATE BUDGET ACHIEVEMENTS$11.8MILLIONFoster Care Administrative Rate IncreaseIncrease the daily administrate rate for private agenciesfrom $55.20 to $60.20$38MILLIONChild Caring Institution Rate IncreaseRestructure rates and payments to provide financialcertainty to CCI providers and placement stability forchildren$8.5MILLIONFamily Preservation Rate IncreaseFamily Preservation funding increases to support community-based family preservation and prevention programsThrough the collective advocacy of the Michigan Federation for Children and Families, assessedmembership dues of $785,846 generated $287.7 million in state budget investments inbehavioral health, child welfare, and juvenile justice for FY 2024-2025 including:$161.8MILLIONCertified Community Behavioral Health ClinicsEstablish new CCBHC sites across the state and requiresa study to inform strategic decision-making processesrelated to site selection, network optimization, and futurecertified community behavioral health clinic expansion. Michigan Federation for Children and Families 2024 Annual ReportSee next page for additional state budget advocacy achievements
Budget AdvocacyMember Dues ROI- continuedMichigan Federation for Children and Families 2024 Annual Report$17.2MILLION$10.4MILLION$22.7MILLIONMedicaid Behavioral Health Provider Rate IncreaseAutism Behavioral Technician Rate Increase$10MILLIONJuvenile JusticeInvestmentsSupports to Meet MISEP BenchmarksMORE ADVOCACY ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2024-2025 STATE BUDGET$2MILLION$1.3MILLION$.5MILLION$2MILLION$1.5MILLIONChild Advocacy CentersJuvenile Justice Facility Grants Foster Care ClothingAllowance IncreaseCourt-Appointed Special AdvocatesFoster Care Suitcase
2Gen Framework andMiFamily TogetherThe Michigan child welfare system is undergoing a shift toward becoming a moreequitable and prevention-focused system that prioritizes children and their caregiversremaining together in the community, avoiding the trauma of family separationexperienced when children enter foster care. Toward that goal, our state andcommunity-based agencies are working together to implement a two-generation(2Gen) whole-family approach to support children and their families to reduce thelikelihood of future instances of child abuse and neglect and improve the stability,health, and well-being of families, optimizing each person’s potential.The MiFamily Together pilot family preservation program is the first MDHHS contractto integrate the 2Gen framework into services. The pilot program is a single programequipped to more flexibly respond to each family, no matter where they are—whetherthe family is in crisis, needs extra support to avoid out-of-home placement of thechildren, or whose children are returning home from foster care.Through the generous support and partnership of The Kresge Foundation, theFederation has been instrumental in moving this body of work forward in Michigan.Two-generation (2Gen)approaches build family well-being by intentionally andsimultaneously working withchildren and the adults intheir lives together. Michigan Federation for Children and Families 2024 Annual Report
Protective FactorsTraining Initiative15TRAININGSHELD550INDIVIDUALSATTENDED 37AGENCIESREPRESENTED11CERTIFIEDTRAINERSThe Federation, in collaboration withMichigan State University, evaluated thetraining initiative. The Protective FactorsInterim Report (June 2023 - March 2024)revealed exceptionally high ratings fortraining delivery, with participantsexpressing consistent satisfaction andenthusiasm. Analysis also showed asignificant increase in perceivedknowledge across all training objectives,demonstrating the effectiveness of theinstructional methods. In FY 2024, the Michigan Federation for Children and Families, inpartnership with MDHHS, continued to lead the PROTECTIVEFACTORS TRAINING INITIATIVE, providing training opportunitiesdesigned to enhance participants' understanding of ProtectiveFactors that promote resilience and well-being in individuals andfamilies. Through this initiative, 11 private agency representatives havebeen certified by the Children’s Trust Fund Alliance (CFA) todeliver the training, “Bringing the Protective Factors Frameworkto Life in Your Work.” As a result, the following in-depth trainings were offered via Zoomthroughout the year:Introduction to the Protective Factors Framework in Michigan:1-hour (pre-recorded) sessionProtective Factors for Family Preservation Workers: 6 hours inlength, offered in two 3-hour sessions Protective Factors for Family Preservation Supervisors: 3.5hours in length Protective Factors for Foster Care and Adoption Staff: 3 hoursin length Lunch-and-Learn Sessions: 1-hour, live interactive sessionsproviding a community of learning, expanding upon thecurriculum, application of the framework, and coaching This training reinforced the impactthat positive social connections canhave on a family in the long term.This training was engaging,relevant, and well presented! I learned how to shift from “checkingthe boxes” to taking a differentapproach that promotes staffconnecting with families, Michigan Federation for Children and Families 2024 Annual Report
Member EngagementIn FY 2024, the Federation held 25 MEMBER INTERESTNETWORK (MIN) meetings, with a total of 1,076 membersattending. MINs function as a benefit for employees ofmember agencies and are established for variousADMINISTRATIVE & AGENCY OPERATIONS and PROGRAM ANDSERVICE AREAS most common among member agencies. MEMBER INTEREST NETWORK (MIN) MEETINGS25MIN MEETINGSHELD1,076INDIVIDUALSATTENDED EVENTS & CONFERENCESMember Executive Regional Roundtables DiscussionsBetween April and June 2024, the Federation facilitatedfive EXECUTIVE REGIONAL ROUNDTABLES to understandhow the Federation can best meet the needs of memberorganizations and leaders. We heard from Federationleaders on priorities and advocacy needed in order toinform an organizational strategic plan for theFederation. 28AGENCIESREPRESENTEDMEMBERSHIP GROWTHAffiliate Member: Bridgeway Services, Inc. is a CMO and source of guidance and support for youthand families during their time in the juvenile justice system, with the goal of helping them completecourt requirements and make lasting, positive changes to their lives. Full Member: Genacross Family & Youth Services operates a group home in Adrian, MI, whichprovides residential treatment and behavioral health services. Full Member: Orchards Children's Services provides adoption, community-based and familypreservation services, education, employee assistance program, foster care, independent living,and mental health services.Michigan Federation for Children and Families 2024 Annual ReportSENIOR MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE hosted in September at Crystal MountainResort, our premier event where 185 leaders and partners of community-basedorganizations from across Michigan gathered to network, learn, and strategize.ANNUAL SPRING HUMAN RESOURCES TRAINING SEMINAR: Avoid the Pitfalls of HRMysteries: Convert Challenges into Advantages gathered 45 individuals in-person.Topics included: Taking a Deep Dive into the DOL's New Rule for CategorizingIndependent Contractors and Exempt Status Guidelines; Inclusive Benefits for theNew Workforce; Employee Engagement and Team Building; and AI and HR: Pitfallsand Precautions. 18545ATTENDEESATTENDEES
Legal Trust FundMichigan Federation for Children and Families 2024 Annual ReportEstablished October 1, 2018, the MFCF Legal Trust Fund (LTF) offersprofessional expertise regarding legal challenges encountered bycommunity-based organizations. For each Federation full member agency executive:LTF training is provided by one or more attorneys from the MillerJohnson law firm. LTF training is also live-streamed via Zoom. The recording, slidesand other resources are available for future use on the LTF tabwithin the MemberClicks Members Only Web Portal.Two 15-minute consultation calls with Miller Johnson AttorneyDick Hillary are included in LTF dues per fiscal year (October 1through September 30).An Application for Aid is available to request financial assistanceto address a legal matter of statewide significance tocommunity-based organizations.Virtual workshop regarding U.S. DOL New Overtime “SalaryThreshold” RulingGuidance for Determining On-Call CompensationHow to Best Use the Court or Criminal Justice System toProtect the Worker in Michigan’s Child Welfare SystemAgainst Violence and Threats of ViolenceLEGAL TRUST FUND – MEMBER BENEFIT SINCE 2018RESOURCES ADDED IN FY 2024In the Members-onlyPortal, members can: • Access recorded LTFtrainings • Request a legalconsultation• Apply for aid• View/downloadresources70ATTENDEESU.S. DOL New Overtime "Salary Threshold" Ruling, 70 members joined thisinteractive virtual workshop. Miller Johnson Attorney Matthew O’Rourkeprovided information and material covering details of the new regulations,updates on litigation challenging the regulations, steps for compliance, andoptions for timekeeping and paying newly non-exempt employees.5AGENCIESFree 15-minute consultations with Miller Johnson Attorney Dick Hillaryprovided expert legal advice to member agencies addressing time-sensitive matters of importance.MEMBER UTILIZATION
Partner CollaborationRepresenting Federation member interests on workgroups, committees, and task forces, theFederation team participates regularly with the following: MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (MDHHS) • 2Gen Core Advisory Group, Co-Chair• Budget Collaboration Group• In-Home Services Bureau Communications Workgroup• Lived Experience Advisory Committee• Michigan Human Services Antiracism Transformation Team• MiFamily Together Family Preservation Implementation Team• Office of Workforce Development and Training Advisory Council• Pre-Service Institute Re-design Executive Committee• Race Data Project PARTNERSHIPS IN MICHIGAN• 31N Advisory Council• Child Welfare Improvement Task Force• Child Welfare Judicial Leadership Workgroup• CIP Tribal Court Relations Committee• CMHA Children’s Issues Committee• Court Improvement Program (CIP)• Early Childhood Courts State Advisory Group• Foster Care Review Board State Advisory Council• Guy Thompson Family Reunification Awards Selection Committee• Independent Living Plus Provider Collaboration • Legislative Social Policy Committee, NASW• MI Consortium on LGBTQ Inclusion in Child Welfare Services• MIACE Policy and Advocacy Workgroup, Co-Chair• MIACE Training and Education Workgroup• Michigan Nonprofit Association Public Policy Committee• Michigan Teen Conference Planning Committee• Options Health Network (OHN) Chief Executive OfficersNATIONAL AFFILIATIONS• Association for Children’s Residential Centers (ACRC)• Ascend at the Aspen Institute 2Gen Network Partner• Child Welfare League of America (CWLA)• National Organization of State Associations for Children (NOSAC)• Social Current• Voice for Adoption (VFA) Michigan Federation for Children and Families 2024 Annual Report
Community Impactand InvestmentThe Michigan Federation for Children and Families brings together the best in human servicesand public health organizations, academic institutions, philanthropic entities, the businesssector, and dedicated volunteers to achieve the best outcomes for children and families. Collectively and throughout Michigan on an annual basis, Federation member agencies generatehuman and economic impact and community investment.Michigan Federation for Children and Families 2024 Annual Report93,000CHILDREN RECEIVECRITICAL SERVICES$843MILLION IN SERVICES ARE PROVIDED9,400INDIVIDUALS ARE EMPLOYED137,000ADULTS RECEIVECRITICAL SERVICES$443MILLION IN SALARIES ARE PAID324,300HOURS OF SERVICE AREDONATED FOR CHILDRENAND FAMILIES720COMMUNITY AND BUSINESSLEADERS SERVE ON AGENCYBOARDS OF DIRECTORS$42MILLIONPRIVATE DONATIONS HELPOFFSET OPERATING COSTS$290MILLIONINVESTMENT IN EQUIPMENT,LAND, AND BUILDINGS TO SERVECHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES$34MILLIONIS GENERATED IN PAYROLL TAXES$69MILLION FRINGE BENEFITS AREPROVIDED8,200VOLUNTEERS ADD VALUETO AGENCY OPERATIONSHUMAN IMPACTECONOMIC IMPACTCOMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Contact Us517-485-8552 voice-to-emailinfo@michfed.orgThe Federation is grateful for the financial and resource support of our growing group ofCorporate Sponsors.Corporate Sponsorshttps://www.michfed.org620 S. Capitol Ave., Suite 325Lansing, MI 48933Michigan Federation for Children and Families 2024 Annual Report