Child & Family Services of NW Michigan

Three staff from Child & Family Services of NW Michigan spoke at our meeting about the CFS mission, to ensure the safety and well-being to those in times of crisis, challenge, and life transition.  
Katelynn Martin, Development Director, explained that the CFS mission is to ensure the safety and well-being to those in times of crisis, challenge, and life transition.  Over 20 counties are serviced in Northern MI, and CFS has offices in Traverse City and Harbor Springs.

One of the biggest programs in child welfare is working with DHHS to provide foster care, adoption services, and pregnancy support.  Family unification is the first goal of CFS.
Youth Services program focuses on runaway youth and at-risk teens between the ages of 12-24.  Third Level Youth Services helps youth deal with conflict at home, find temporary or long-term housing, provide on-going counseling and free legal aid clinic.
 
YouthWork Industries is an AmeriCorps program that provides service-based learning opportunities for young adults in Michigan.  Young adults (17-26) learn job and life skills, working with conservatories and national parks.  
 
Behavioral Health provides counseling services and parenting classes. CFS also has the Safe Haven program which provides a supervised visitation and safe exchange program for families affected by domestic violence or high conflict, and is the only program of its kind in Northern MI. 
 
Allison Zimpfer, LMSW, is a contractor that works with CFS and provides training on QPR:  Question, Persuade, Refer; three steps anyone can learn to prevent suicide.   The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training.  Training session is 90 minutes to 2 hours; anyone can sign up for the program.
(Note: If anyone in Rotary is interested in this training program, please contact Val Gerhart.)
 
Cathye Williams is a case manager/care coordinator for CFS, and explained the services offered, along with therapy/counseling programs.  CFS is the largest provider in the area for Medicaid recipients.  What is not covered by Medicaid is usually covered by grants.  Family counseling is provided, along with support to the adoption and foster care families.  Those who have a gap in insurance coverages, the “working poor”, programs are available for various counseling needs.  Crisis services are also available.  CFS can provide telehealth services as well in certain situations.