The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services just announced the expansion of the Family Impact Team or (FIT) project to 11 additional counties, including Ottawa County. Calling the project “innovative” officials say it’s meant to keep more children safe by making sure their parents are connected to programs that meet their basic needs.
A news release says the FIT project has delivered services such as food assistance, Medicaid, housing assistance and gas cards to more than 1,000 families in 12 counties so far, that’s during the program’s nine-month first phase. Officials say FIT embeds family resource specialists with child protection and foster care staff so they can help families apply for benefits and other economic support.
MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel says quote, “Our FIT workers have used their ingenuity and fierce determination to ensure Michigan families stay intact and healthy.” end quote.
The FIT project is part of the Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, the department’s ongoing efforts to improve the safety and well-being of Michigan children.
