In October 2025, MDHHS chose not to renew WMPC’s contract, ending our administration of the Kent County’s performance-based foster care model. WMPC pursued litigation to protect the framework and system we built which was designed to align funding with child and family outcomes and support shared community responsibility. WMPC went to court to clarify how the state would continue to meet legal requirements for maintaining the foster care model WMPC established. Specifically, the prospective payment structure and performance-based approached required under state law.
On February 25, 2026, the Michigan Court of Claims issued a ruling in favor of MDHHS. WMPC did not prevail, concluding this phase of litigation. While we respect the judicial process, we believe the ruling departs from the Legislature’s intent to create a community-based, performance-driven system of care.
“We are disappointed in the outcome,” said WMPC CEO Sonia Noorman. “Our team has remained fully committed, prepared, and ready to continue serving Kent County’s children and families. While this ruling represents a significant shift, our commitment to system improvement does not change.”
Since 2017, WMPC has led Michigan’s only performance-based foster care model, focused on accountability, innovation, and improved outcomes for children and families. Throughout this process, more than 400 children in Kent County have been impacted by the uncertainty surrounding the model’s future.
WMPC remains deeply grateful to its staff, partners, providers, and community members for their dedication and support. We are carefully reviewing the Court’s decision and will share additional information as it becomes available.
Learn what this means for children and families, how WMPC is responding, and how you can support continued system reform by reviewing our FAQs below.
Learn more about what WMPC does, why their work is important, and how you can help.
Last updated 3/2/2026
This case clarified how the state would implement and maintain the foster care model WMPC established in Kent County. Specifically, the prospective payment structure (PPS) and performance-based approach (PBFC) required under state law.
Following WMPC’s request for legal clarity after MDHHS ended its contract in October 2025, the Michigan Court of Claims issued a ruling on February 25, 2026. The Court found that MDHHS’s implementation complies with state law, and WMPC did not prevail in its challenge.
The decision concludes this phase of litigation. While WMPC respects the judicial process, the ruling departs from the Legislature’s original intent to establish a community-based, performance-driven system of care designed to improve outcomes for children and families.
The ruling concludes this phase of litigation and confirms that MDHHS will continue as the lead administrator of the foster care system, as it has been since October 2025. Children and families continue to receive care and support from private foster care providers in Kent County. WMPC remains focused on supporting staff, partners, and children during this transition while exploring ways to continue advancing positive outcomes in the community.
Under a PPS, the lead or consortium agency receives a prospective, predetermined allocation (typically paid quarterly) before services are delivered, rather than being reimbursed for individual services after the fact. Rates are set in advance by an independent actuarial firm, based on expected service needs and risk.
This payment structure allows for
In the absence of WMPC fulfilling this role, the system reverted to a fee-for-service model, where agencies are reimbursed per discrete service delivered. Fee-for-service models tend to incentivize volume over outcomes, constrain flexibility, and limit innovation in program design and service delivery.
The Court confirmed MDHHS’s prospective payment system meets statutory requirements. This decision does not restore WMPC’s prior administrative role.
WMPC advocates for children and families because we believe in a system designed around outcomes and community accountability. Even though we did not prevail, our goal remains improving child welfare through innovation, transparency, and measurable results.
In October 2025, MDHHS chose not to issue a contract for fiscal year 2026, effectively ending WMPC’s role in administering the performance-based foster care model. WMPC responded by pursuing litigation to defend the model.
WMPC administered foster care funding in ways that align resources with child and family outcomes. Our work has reduced time in foster care, increased placement stability, and strengthened permanency, showing that measurable results improve children’s lives.
We are focused on:
Yes. While WMPC will no longer administer the performance-based model, we remain committed to supporting children, families, and the broader child welfare system through partnerships, advocacy, and innovation.
The WMPC model demonstrated that tying resources to measurable outcomes can meaningfully improve the lives of children and families. Key successes included:
These results show that a performance-driven, community-focused approach can strengthen stability, permanency, and well-being for children in care. The lessons learned from WMPC’s experience are informing future policies and care models, highlighting the value of accountability, collaboration, and innovative funding strategies that prioritize outcomes over activity alone.
WMPC is committed to supporting our team throughout this period of change. We are providing clear communication, resources, and guidance to help staff navigate next steps, including opportunities for professional development, transition support, and one-on-one assistance as needed.
Our priority is ensuring staff feel informed, supported, and valued for the critical work they have done in advancing performance-based, outcome-driven foster care in Kent County. We are also helping connect team members with opportunities to continue making an impact in child welfare across the state and community.
While WMPC will no longer administer the performance-based model in Kent County, our commitment to innovation and improving outcomes for children and families remains strong. The experience of building and implementing Michigan’s only prospective-payment, performance-driven foster care system has reinforced the importance of accountability, measurable results, and community-based solutions.
WMPC will continue to work in new ways which may include partnering with local agencies, exploring policy and advocacy opportunities, and supporting initiatives that drive positive outcomes for children. Our focus remains on advancing child welfare practices that are responsive, data-informed, and centered on the needs of children and families.
You can make a difference by staying informed, advocating for children and families, and supporting local foster care providers.
Every action helps ensure that children in foster care continue to receive safe, stable, and supportive placements.
Follow WMPC on social media for updates.
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Write letters of support to legislators in Lansing as a tangible way to help WMPC and foster families in Kent County.
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Use our script templates to call or email your state legislators to advocate on behalf of Kent County children and families.
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Follow WMPC, share our posts, and post about your experiences to help others understand our essential work.