Kent County prepares to sue state over unfunded foster care programs

Kent County prepares to sue state over unfunded foster care programs
"Kent County has been authorized to sue the state over provisions of a 2008 settlement Michigan reached with a national children's rights advocacy group -- which local officials say illegally impose unfunded mandates, creating a strain on county coffers.
The national group, Children's Rights Inc., sued the state last year after a series of high-profile abuse cases, alleging some children placed with Michigan foster care providers were being harmed because of a lack of adequate monitoring. The case was settled late last year, with the state agreeing to a list of provisions including providing more case workers in abuse and neglect complaints, adding legal counsel for the parties involved and expanding eligibility requirements for foster care.
Kent County officials say the settlement, reached without their consent, violates the state constitution by mandating more than $4 million in added services, only half of which would be reimbursed by the state. They also say having to pay for services mandated by the settlement places in jeopardy less-expensive programs, which are more effective in preventing abuse and neglect"

It's about time!