Michigan Children's Institute - 491-2700-25
Agency Description
The Michigan Children’s Institute (MCI) was established by the Michigan Children’s Institute Act of 1935 (The Act) to provide family home care for children committed to the care of the State. MCI operates within the Children’s Services Administration (CSA) of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
The MCI superintendent is the legal guardian of all children committed to MCI upon court order when their guardians’ rights are terminated (State wards). According to the Act and MDHHS policy, MCI is responsible for various guardianship activities related to State ward children including, but not limited to, reviewing recommended adoptions provided by adoption agencies; making a final recommendation for adoption to the court; and reviewing and approving consent requests related to certain medical procedures, early discharge from State guardianship, marriage, or emancipation for State wards. The Act indicates an MCI superintendent designee may also provide consent for adoption of State wards. MDHHS policy further stipulates MDHHS county directors who have received written delegation from the MCI superintendent may consent to adoption of a State ward child in limited circumstances meeting defined criteria.
MCI consists of six personnel including the MCI superintendent, four MCI consultants, and an administrative staff. MCI primarily uses the Michigan Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (MiSACWIS) and a Microsoft Access database to process and record MCI activities. As of June 2025, there were approximately 2,500 State ward children.
Audit Objectives
- To assess the sufficiency of selected MCI activities related to the guardianship of MCI State ward children.
Timing
Estimated Release Date: Early 2026
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