By AP
DETROIT –
An expert appointed to monitor changes in Michigan's child-welfare system says the state is failing to comply with a 2008 agreement aimed at improving foster care and protective services.
Kevin Ryan's latest report says caseworkers have suffered from a lack of leadership at the Department of Human Services. He lists a bushel of woes, including a "basic math problem" in coming up with statistics.
The 2008 settlement comes in a lawsuit by a group called Children's Rights. The group said Tuesday it wanted a court-appointed receiver to manage the child-welfare system, but it backed off during a court hearing.
Federal Judge Nancy Edmunds says Gov.-elect Rick Snyder will get involved after Jan. 1. Human Services Director Ismael Ahmed left court without commenting. A spokesman says improvements are being overlooked.