Effort aims to keep Mich. kids out of foster care

LANSING (AP) -- The Michigan Department of Human Services plans a pilot project in three counties designed to keep children out of foster care and cut costs. The Detroit News reports that the nonprofit Lutheran Social Services will operate two of the projects in Macomb and Kalamazoo counties. The effort is scheduled to begin in August. It's expected to run for five years and will help a number of children and their families. Case workers will go into a home, conduct assessments and offer assistance. Lutheran Social Services will connect families and expedite services. Catholic Charities of West Michigan will administer the pilot project in Muskegon County. Published: Tue, May 28, 2013