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Michigan kids in mental health crisis sent out of state as facilities close

As of September, 152 Michigan youth in the direct-placement program lived in out-of-state facilities, up from 122 in 2024 and more than double the 74 children sent away in 2023, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Michigan has fewer than 400 treatment beds available today, down from about 1,200 before the pandemic, as Kathy Regan, CEO of the recently closed Vista Maria in Dearborn Heights, cited safety concerns and staff injuries as primary drivers.
Sending youth out of state cost the state more than $13 million last fiscal year; Laura Marshall of Cedar Springs, whose son was placed in a Wyoming facility, described the practice as "throwing them to the wolves."
State Rep. John Roth, R-Interlochen, questioned who bears responsibility if a child is injured out of state, while MDHHS spokesperson Erin Stover noted that placement decisions must be guided by safety, stability, and the best interests of each child.
With 9,200 children in the welfare system as of December 2024, a "perfect storm" exists; lawmakers argue that legislative changes allowing up to 12 years of service could create a stronger bench of Republicans and Democrats capable of enacting reforms.

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Michigan Youth Facing Crisis of Care at Home, Driving Them Sent Out of State for Help

April 7, 2026 ~ Bridge Michigan reporters Jordan Hermani and Eli Newman join Kevin Dietz to discuss the mental health crisis that kids around our state are facing.LANSING ~ As mental health facilities in Michigan face strain and closures, more teens and children are being sent out of state for care. The phenomenon was highlighted in a recent article published by Bridge Michigan, which found that the COVID-19 pandemic spurred the increase in out-…

7 days ago

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