Department of Human Services

"It kind of makes you feel disposable, and that’s not a good feeling at all." That's how 22-year-old Jerry Caster describes his time in Michigan's foster…

Michigan’s foster care system is the sixth-biggest in the country, with more than 13,000 kids around the state. The system has been plagued by problems…

In 1998, Amy Valderas was a single mom with three kids, all under the age of seven. She stayed at home. She had no work experience. She lived with her…

As part of our State of Opportunity project, we’re following parents as they struggle to get off public assistance and make a better future for their…

In August, I reported on a pilot project in Michigan that reduced caseloads for Child Protective Services and helped families. Despite impressive results,…