Michigan child abuse probes see 18% drop since 2017. Welfare workers are concerned

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By Kara Berg, kberg@detroitnews.com

Investigations of child abuse and neglect have plunged 18% in Michigan since 2017, a decrease some child welfare advocates contend isn’t because there’s less abuse but because the state’s centralized system for reporting complaints isn’t resulting in investigations into valid cases of suspected abuse.

In 2012, Michigan switched from county-by-county call centers to report concerns of child abuse or neglect to a centralized approach that accepts calls at only two places in the state. State officials argued the change was made to streamline the Child Protective Services system and make it more efficient.

But officials such as Charlevoix County Court Administrator Tim Smith worry state policies have prioritiz