Michigan Federation for Children and Families Expands Scope Through Member Interest Networks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 2014

Contact: Janet Reynolds Snyder,

Michigan Federation for Children and Families Expands Scope through Member Interest Networks

LANSING, MI—In an ongoing effort to support excellence in service to vulnerable children and families, and based on keen interest by its member agencies, the Michigan Federation for Children and Families is pleased to announce the launch of three new Member Interest Networks (MINs) to address the areas of Family Preservation, Behavioral Health and Performance/Quality Management. These new MINs join and already establish network of long-standing MINs that focus on issues related to Adoption, Licensing, Foster Care, Independent Living-Homeless Youth, Residential Treatment, Staff Training, Human Resources and Information Technology.

The Federation MINs draw on the extensive expertise within private child and family service provider agencies across the state to inform Michigan’s public policy processes, share best practices for quality treatment and services to vulnerable populations, and facilitate efficient and effective organizational management. With the introduction of these new groups, Federation members will bring a laser focus to strengthening these areas of service for children and families throughout the state.

The Federation is at the forefront of advocacy and action of child welfare reform in Michigan. Given the breadth of programming and depth of experience of member agencies, the Federation is the go-to resource for legislators and state and federal policy makers for advice and guidance as they are challenged with addressing the needs of children and families and regulating and monitoring the organizations that care for them.

Member agencies of Federation contribute immense value in human and economic impact and investment in communities across the state. Each year, Federation member agencies:

•Serve the critical needs of nearly 100,000 children and 75,000 adults across the state

•Provide nearly a half-billion dollars worth of services to vulnerable children and families

•Generate over $35 million in private donations to help offset operating costs

•Utilize over $320 million in equipment, land and buildings to serve children and families

•Employ over 7,500 individuals across the state, paying salaries totaling more than $233 million

•Generate over $21 million in payroll taxes and pay over $44 million for fringe benefits

•Engage nearly 700 community and business leaders as members of governing boards

•Activate more than 30,000 volunteers who donate over 670,000 hours of service each year

Advocating for necessary and improved services for vulnerable children and families since 1969, the Michigan Federation for Children and Families is a statewide association of private nonprofit child and family serving agencies, advocacy and coordinating organizations and individuals devoted to protecting children, building families and strengthening communities. For more information about the Federation, visit or contact Executive Director Janet Reynolds Snyder, .