Our Programs
At Northeast Michigan Family Resource Center, we are proud to offer a diverse array of programs designed to address the unique needs of our community.
Adoption: Our Adoption program places children in need into caring homes, whether their biological parents' rights have been terminated or voluntarily released. Prospective adoptive parents collaborate with our Adoption Specialists to complete vital tasks, including the application, Family Assessment, and clearances. Seeking parents with realistic expectations and a strong commitment, our program offers orientation sessions, GROW Training access, family assessments, placement services, and ongoing supervision. For those interested in adopting a child from the foster care system, contacting an Adoption Specialist is recommended. The only costs involved are the petition fee for the adoption and the fee for the new birth certificate, both of which may be reimbursed if qualified.
Compass North: Compass North, a program by NEMI Family Resource Center funded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, supports homeless and at-risk youth aged 12-20. Offering outreach services, it intervenes in crises, providing referrals to Basic Care or the Transitional Living Program. Basic Care targets youth aged 12-17, offering up to 90 days of non-residential prevention services, including temporary shelter in a host home, with a focus on family preservation and counseling. The Transitional Living Program assists youth aged 17-20 for 21 months, emphasizing education, employment, housing, and independent living skills. Eligible youth living with non-legal guardians can choose a host home with a $20 daily stipend. Compass North aims to guide youth toward stability and success.
Day One: Healthy Families America Day One is a voluntary evidence-based home visiting program that serves all families, who can enroll either prenatally or if they have a child aged 0-3 months. Enrollment is also possible through our Child Welfare protocol for families with a child aged 0-24 months., offering prevention-focused services designed to strengthen families during the critical first years of a child's life, adjusting service intensity based on each family's needs and implementing proven best practice standards through community providers contracted by the Department of Child Welfare.
General Foster Care: Our General Foster Care Program at NEMI Family Resource Center provides comprehensive case management for children in foster care, with a primary goal of encouraging and supporting specific case objectives. These objectives, including Reunification, Adoption, Guardianship, Permanent Placement With a Fit and Willing Relative, or Placement in Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement, guide our agency's efforts in ensuring the well-being and stability of children in our care. Striving to deliver excellent services and support for children, families, and foster families, we prioritize reunification whenever possible. Our focus is on meeting all the needs of the children we serve and maintaining a safe and stable home environment. Operating in multiple counties, including Alpena, Alcona, Montmorency, Iosco, Roscommon, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Crawford, Otsego, Cheboygan, and Presque Isle, our General Foster Care Program is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families in Northeast Michigan.
Licensing: Becoming a foster parent with NEMI Family Resource Center is a compassionate commitment impacting over 14,000 children in Michigan's foster care. Licensed foster parents provide crucial support to children facing challenges like abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The process involves an application, background clearences, an extensive home study, and collaboration with a child's treatment team. Whether married, single, employed, retired, or a stay-at-home parent, anyone with a heart for helping children is encouraged to explore fostering. NEMI Family Resource Center offers a robust licensing program, guiding individuals and families through the legal process, providing support, training, and information. Contact our Licensing Specialists to learn more, attend an orientation, and embark on this impactful journey. We appreciate your interest and look forward to connecting with you!