GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A judge in Lansing is now weighing whether the state illegally cut funding for Kent County’s performance-based foster care system .

On Monday, the Court of Claims heard arguments from the West Michigan Partnership for Children, or WMPC, which sued after the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services declined to renew its contract this fall — a move affecting more than 400 children served by WMPC and its partner agencies.

13 ON YOUR SIDE spoke with WMPC about what’s at stake for hundreds of children and families. The nonprofit said the funding cuts could dismantle years of progress for local children.

“We filed a lawsuit against the state, we really believe they weren’t following the law,” said CEO of WMPC, Sonia Noorman. “Currently, those children don't hav

See Full Page