Ann Arbor Times

An attorney for children's rights was surprised to hear about the departures of two leaders who've been instrumental in turning Michigan's foster care system around.

"We had, over time, really come to respect the job they were doing," Samantha Bartosz told Bridge Michigan. "We were beginning to feel a fair amount of momentum working with them."

This came after Robert Gordon and JooYeun Chang both stepped down from their positions. 

Stacie Bladen, MDHHS | LinkedIn

Gordon, the former Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) director, suddenly announced his resignation last month. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer first appointed him to the position in 2019. Whitmer hasn't offered an explanation as to why he left, but she wished him well. Gordon also hasn't provided a reason for his quick exit, making the announcement in a 24-word tweet, where he said, "It's been an honor to serve alongside wonderful colleagues."

Chang, too, stepped down last week as head of the department's Children's Services Agency. Over the last 20 years, she's worked in multiple positions in child welfare and is headed to do similar work for President Joe Biden's administration. Chang will be replaced, at least temporarily, by Stacie Bladen, a longtime MDHHS employee.

Chang and Gordon have been recognized for their efforts in making positive strides for Michigan's troubled child welfare system.  

During the agency's worst times, between 2004 and 2008, 78 children in the custody of MDHHS are reported to have died, according to Bridge Michigan. According to a 2006 lawsuit, thousands of children never found a permanent home.

Michigan acknowledged the agency's flaws from the start of the lawsuit, including a heavy caseload, not enough foster homes, and instances of children in their care being abused and neglected. The state agreed to be under the watchful eye of federal oversight in 2008 in order to improve the situation.

That monitoring, though, thanks to work from both Gordon and Chang, appears to be nearing its end. U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Edmunds is in charge of overseeing the agency's progress. Edmunds said she'd like "to have this wrapped up" before her upcoming retirement during a hearing back in November.