Foster Care Resources
Foster Care Management Program
Meridian has a team of dedicated staff that all children and young adults in foster care have access to. This includes a registered nurse (RN) Care Manager, a Care Navigator, or a Behavioral Health Care Navigator based on the member’s needs. These individuals will arrange care and assist with all health needs for Meridian foster care members.
Your main point of contact is your assigned Care Navigator; in hopes of getting in touch with you or your caregiver, we will be outreaching to you telephonically and in person.
Our team works with MDHHS Health Liaison Officers, Foster Care Workers, and private foster care agencies.
If you are a member or caregiver/foster parent and want to get connected to your care navigator; please email MeridianFosterCarePod@mimeridian.com. We will get in contact with you within 2 business days.
How Your Meridian Care Team Can Help
Your care team is there to support YOU. These are just a few of the ways your care team can help you live your healthiest life:
- Members of your care team can answer questions about your Meridian benefits or the Foster Care Management Program.
- They can serve as a go-between for you and your providers, helping you:
- Set up your first appointment with your primary care provider (PCP).
- Schedule additional visits.
- Understand your treatments and what tests or shots you need.
- They can help if you are sick and need to decide if you should wait to see your PCP or if you should go to urgent care or the emergency room (ER).
- They can show you what resources are available in your community, such as food or housing assistance. They can also make it easier to get these services.
- They can help with getting rides to and from your appointments, or a place to stay if you are away for more than a day.
Pyx Health
A no-cost benefit for teens ages 13-17.
Pyx Health supports mental health and wellbeing with the people, programs, and tools that build skills, confidence, and resilience.
We’re here for your teen and you — whether it's someone to talk to, or tools to manage the stressful parts of life.
More information about Pyx Health (PDF)
Meridian is a firm believer that no child should have to grow up without experiencing a loving family setting. Deciding to become a foster parent not only provides children and teenagers with a loving and safe home, but it’s also making a difference in our communities and impacting our leaders of tomorrow. Are you a current or future foster parent looking for foster care support? These organizations and hotlines will link you with local services in your area:
Advocacy
Michigan CASA: Michigan Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are specially trained community volunteers chosen by a judge to speak up for the best interests of an abused or neglected child.
Become a Foster Parent
Michigan.gov/HopeForAHome or call Foster Parent Information Hotline at 1-855-MICHKIDS.
Michigan Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-855-444-3911
Resource Foster Closets
Braden’s Closet: Foster closet serving Allegan County.
Edwardsburg Foster Clothes Closet: Foster closet serving Cass County.
Ellie’s Closet: Foster closet serving St. Joseph County.
Foster Closet of Michigan: Foster closet serving Alpena, Berrien, Branch, Genesee, Isabella, Livingston, Missaukee, Wayne, and Wexford counties.
Kids Belong Foster Share Closets: Foster closet serving Muskegon and Ottawa counties.
State Resources
CARE of Southeastern Michigan: Offers substance use prevention and recovery services in Southeastern Michigan.
Child and Family Charities: Foster care, adoption resources and Case Management services in Lansing.
D.A. Blodgett: Child welfare agency offering services and support to West Michigan.
Ennis Center for Children: Children's resource center with locations in Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Saginaw, and Wayne counties. Offers programs aimed at foster care and adoption, along with in-home treatment services for foster children, community-based delinquency, youth support program, and outpatient counseling.
Family & Children Services: Family and children's service agency giving behavioral health, child welfare and crisis intervention services as one organization. Serves clients mainly in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties with child welfare services supporting Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties.
Foster Care Navigator: The Foster Care Navigator Program (FCNP) is made up of a loyal team of people throughout Michigan. They are invested in supplying information, resources, and support to all current and future foster families.
Foster Care Portal – MDHHS: State of Michigan Portal used to select a foster care agency and get foster care license.
Foster Parent Resources – MDHHS: State of Michigan resources for foster parents.
Michigan Alliance for Families: Resources for foster parents, including Post Adoption Resource Centers (PARCs).
Michigan Fosters: Supports foster care families and gives access to local resources. This includes "Journey Home", a physical house in Ottawa County used as a meeting place for people and families in the foster care system.
Orchards Children’s Service: Child welfare agency supplying services and support to Genesee, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.
Samaritas: Samaritas supports foster care youth transitioning to adult age and offers training for foster parents.
Wellspring Lutheran Services: Child welfare agency supplying services and support to Alpena, Bay, Clare, Eaton, Jackson, Kent, Muskegon, Oakland, and Otsego counties.