MDHHS announces statewide implementation of CSA teaming model to rebuild how the child welfare system supports, strengthens families

Transformative model changing the way child welfare is delivered within the department in every county

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has implemented the Children's Services Administration (CSA) teaming model, a transformative approach to the child welfare system designed to keep kids safe and strengthen families, statewide. First announced in March 2025, Michigan became the nation's first state to fully implement this team-based approach that replaces the previous model in which a single caseworker was responsible for all aspects of a family's case.

"The statewide rollout of the CSA teaming model strengthens our most important commitment - keeping kids safe and families together when it's safe to do so," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, who has led the model's design and implementation. "By bringing together our dedicated professionals in a coordinated team, we ensure that every child and family receives timely, thoughtful and effective support. Our staff carry immense responsibility, and they deserve a work experience that supports their passion for helping others, fosters collaboration and strengthens their well-being. When we provide collaborative opportunities for our workforce, Michigan kids and families will benefit from the strength of a unified team."

The CSA teaming model establishes clear, well-defined responsibilities for each team member and encourages collaboration to provide comprehensive support for families from the moment they enter the child welfare system. Each core team, known as a pod, includes investigators, case managers, supervisors, family resource specialists and family team support staff. These pods work closely with specialized CSA roles to address each family's specific needs, whether economic, educational or administrative.

By identifying and addressing immediate economic issues families are facing, the teaming model helps prevent crises where poverty might otherwise be misconstrued as abuse or neglect. With a family resource specialist in each pod, families can more quickly access state and community resources, such as food assistance or housing supports and household items, ensuring they have the essential tools to provide a safe and supportive home for the time before, during and after their involvement with the child welfare system.

For Michigan children and families, this model provides a consistent team of familiar people they can turn to during what is often a challenging and stressful time. Having a steady support system and a reliable team in place can strengthen relationships and improve outcomes.

A parent reflected on the impact the teaming model approach had on their family, sharing: "After almost two long years battling recovery, bringing my children home from foster care, and rebuilding our new life, I had never been so grateful to have our case manager in our support system. She was very thorough in answering any questions I had, followed up very quickly on all requests related to my two boys, and truly made life-changing decisions for our long-term care. We are still in tears with gratitude."

The model allows MDHHS case managers to spend more time directly serving families by partnering with other pod members who handle administrative tasks including paperwork and parenting time coordination. By shifting to pods, the teaming model reduces any feelings of isolation that case managers previously may have experienced.

Tom Scheuer, MDHHS Oakland County Director highlighted the teaming model's impact on staff, "The teaming model has greatly benefited Oakland County. Staff report stronger support, better collaboration and a more balanced workload. With family resource specialists and family team support, we can provide more resources to families and stronger backing for our investigators and case managers. By moving away from siloed work, we now operate as a coordinated team, and we're already seeing improved outcomes for the children and families we serve."

The teaming model aligns with the department's Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, which focuses on prevention, intervention, stability, wellness and workforce. The Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda includes more than 20 protocols and policies to improve the safety and well-being of Michigan children. Developed over the course of more than four years, the agenda relies on best practices in child welfare and commits the department to the nation's highest standards.