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West Michigan Partnership for Children

In Kent County, hundreds of children and families still rely on strong, community-driven systems of support every day.

 

West Michigan Partnership for Children works alongside communities, public systems, and mission-aligned organizations to advance innovation, accountability, and better futures for children and families.

reduction in maltreatment in care
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fewer days in residential or institutional care
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more older youth achieved permanency in 12 months
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faster exit rate into permanency
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Who We Are

Better futures for children and families.

Driven by the belief that all children deserve safety and the opportunity to thrive, West Michigan Partnership for Children (WMPC) is a Kent County–rooted organization advancing innovation, systems reform, and community-driven solutions to create better futures for children and families.

  • Accountable
  • Data-driven
  • innovative
  • trauma informed
  • social justice
  • tireless collaboration

2416+

children served

What We Do

Innovative. Data-Driven. Community-Led.

collaboration

WMPC’s legacy as Michigan’s only private entity to oversee a network of foster care providers reflects our long-standing commitment to using data, accountability, and innovation to improve outcomes for children and families.

programs

Our organization is a pioneer in innovation, developing new approaches, learning opportunities, and practical tools that strengthen child- and family-serving systems.

read success stories
analysis and innovation

By combining data, predictive insights, and community-centered action, WMPC helps identify emerging needs early and mobilize solutions that prevent crises before they arise.

view recent reports
our vision

A community of safety, belonging, resiliency, and hope where children and families flourish.

Empowering communities to create better futures for children and families through innovation and collaboration.

Our Results

West Michigan Partnership for Children was created out of a 5-year pilot study developed by the five foster care agencies in Kent County. The goal was to introduce a data-focused program model to improve outcomes for foster children and families while also reducing cost. The interactive charts below showcase how expenditures and care were impacted during the pilot years (2018-2022). 

Cost Analysis

In the baseline period (2015-2017) prior to the pilot, total expenditures increased by 12%. The first two years of the pilot saw an increase, however there was an annual decrease of 18% in total child welfare expenditures in 2020, followed by a 24% decrease in 2021 and a 17% decrease in 2022. Expenditures are based on the number of care days provided, and the daily unit costs of care in each placement type.

Better Futures

Days children spent in care during the pilot decreased every year after 2019, culminating in a 19% decline in 2022. Care day utilization by placement type also shifted during the pilot. In the pre-pilot period, approximately half of care days were spent in foster care. Since 2018, the proportion of care days spent in foster care decreased, while care days spent with relatives increased. At the same time, the proportion of days spent in WMPC’s enhanced foster care (EFC) program, which is intended to reduce reliance on congregate (out-of-home or institutional) care, has increased steadily from 1% to 8%.

Kin-First Culture

WMPC has a kin-first culture, which can be demonstrated by viewing the improved data on relative placements, parent-child visits, and sibling contacts over time.

charts showing improvement in measures following child sibling visits, child parent visits, and percentage of children living in relative homes in kent county 2023-24

Well-Being & Safety

WMPC met or surpassed state averages in 10 out of 11 key performance measures in 2024, including initial service plans, dental exams, and medical exams. The increase in placement in relatives’ homes and contact with siblings supports more permanency in 12 months.

Stability

63% of children with historically high placement instability (5 or more moves), had zero moves after Enhanced Foster Care (EFC) Services.

Racial Disproportionality

Although Black/African American was the most represented race in care, they also exited the WMPC network at least two times the rate of white children. This represents a positive outcome towards the strategic efforts WMPC has actively engaged in, to address racial disproportionality.

chart shows racial disproportionality in kent county foster care - there are less percentage of black children but they represent a larger percent in foster care as compared to white children
Our Model is based on collaboration

Our Partners

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Careers

We are looking for talented, caring professionals who are committed to creating better futures for children to work with us.

job openings

Donate

Your donation goes toward increasing our capacity to make a positive impact on the lives of children who need the most care. 

Donate

Events

Attend upcoming events, trainings, and workshops from WMPC focused on advancing child welfare, systems reform, and community-driven solutions.

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Court Ruling Updates on WMPC’s Foster Care Model

Here's what that means