Community-Based
The Children's System of Care focuses on providing services through a supportive and flexible community-based network of organizations, processes, and relationships.
Children & Family
Behavioral health support
for every child.
DWIHN provides a comprehensive array of services and support for children and teens ages 0–21 with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED) and Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), serving 285,000 school-aged children across Wayne County.
285,000
School-Aged Children in Wayne County
Ages 0–21
Eligibility with SED or I/DD
Family-First
Family-Centered, Youth-Guided Care
Co-occurring mental health, substance use, and physical health conditions are served with integrated support.
Children's Services
Putting children first
DWIHN provides a comprehensive and integrated array of services and support which inspires hope and promotes recovery and self-determination for children and teens ages 0–21 with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED) and/or Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).
Children, youth, and families with co-occurring mental health, substance use, and physical health conditions receive services within DWIHN's comprehensive system of care, coordinated to wrap support around the whole family.
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network is enhancing its efforts to reach the 285,000 school-aged children in Wayne County. Watch to learn more about our community commitment.
Putting Children First, WDIV Detroit
Our Approach
The Children's System of Care
Five principles guide how DWIHN and its provider network deliver services to children and families.
Culturally & Linguistically Responsive
Organizations, programs, and services are relevant and unique to each individual and family's cultural, linguistic, and social needs.
Family-Centered
Families have a primary decision-making role in the care of their own children as well as the policies and procedures governing care for all children in their community.
Trauma-Informed
Services are based on an understanding of trauma survivors' vulnerabilities to ensure programs are supportive and avoid re-traumatization.
Youth-Guided
Young people have the right to be empowered, educated, and given a decision-making role in the care of their own lives, we give young people a sustainable voice and listen to that voice.
What We Offer
Services for children and families
DWIHN coordinates a full continuum of behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and their families through our network of providers across Wayne County.
Child & Adolescent Therapy
Individual therapy with a licensed child and adolescent clinician to address depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, and adjustment difficulties. Play therapy for younger children.
Family Therapy & Support
Therapy sessions that include parents, caregivers, and siblings to improve communication, reduce conflict, and build family resilience. Parenting skills support and psychoeducation included.
School-Based Mental Health
Clinicians embedded in Wayne County schools provide counseling, crisis support, and behavioral interventions where students already are, part of the School-Based Health Quality Initiative (SBHQI).
CONNECTIONS Program
Intensive community-based services for children and youth involved in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems, multi-disciplinary wraparound teams support youth staying in their homes and communities.
Youth Resources & Peer Support
Youth-peer-run programs, transition-age youth (TAY) services for ages 16–25, and community resources to support young people in recovery and independent living.
Children's Crisis Services
24/7 crisis support for children and adolescents in acute mental health distress, mobile crisis response, crisis stabilization, and emergency psychiatric evaluation available through DWIHN.
Wayne County's System of Care
CONNECTIONS
CONNECTIONS is Wayne County's System of Care, bringing families, youth, and community partners together to promote wellbeing and collaboration. Through initiatives like Youth United, we elevate youth voice, leadership, and advocacy to create a stronger, more connected community.
Learn About CONNECTIONS
Annual Report to the Community
Children Initiative Annual Report
Children Initiative hosts an annual Report to the Community showcasing highlights of programs and services to MDHHS, Providers, and Community Partners.
Trainings
CONNECTIONS offers child, youth, and parent focused trainings and conferences for the Wayne County community.
Register for Trainings at Detroit Wayne ConnectAssessment Tool
MichiCANS
MDHHS developed the MichiCANS screener and comprehensive assessment for children and youth ages 0–21. This tool is used to support family-driven, youth-guided care planning and level of care decisions, facilitate quality improvement initiatives, and monitor outcomes of services.
The MichiCANS tool replaces the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) and Pre-School and Early Childhood Functional Assessment Scale (PECFAS).
Provider training materials, scoring grids, and assessment documents are available in the Document Library.
Download MichiCANS Family Infographic (PDF)Document Library
View All Documents
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- CAFAS / PECFAS and MichiCANS Update (2.5.25)
- [CAFAS and PECFAS Training Materials]
- Tracking Sheet: CAFAS / PECFAS
- Trainers Scoring Grid (CAFAS & PECFAS)
- PECFAS Training Materials
- PECFAS Agenda
- PECFAS INITIAL AGENDA_Rev Jan 2023
- PECFAS Initial Quizzes from Slides
- PECFAS Quiz Scoring Form (Blank)
- PECFAS Reliability Grid
- PECFAS Reliability Virtual Training
- PECFAS Scoring Booklet
- PECFAS Self-Training Manual 06192012
- PECFAS Booster Scoring Form
- PECFAS Vignettes 2017 Full Version (.pdf)
- PECFAS Virtual Agenda
- PPT Quizzes
- Virtual PECFAS Training (.pdf)
- CAFAS Training Resources Memo 11.20.24
- Use of CAFAS/PECFAS Memo 11.19.24 (updated)
- MichiCANS CAFAS/PECFAS Usage for SEDW and 1915iSPA Memo 10.7.24
- MichiCANS - MHWIN SUG Updates 8.19.24
- CAFAS.PECFAS Transition 2024
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- MDHHS CAFAS/PECFAS/DECA Presentation Oct 2024
- CST Presentation 8.23.24
- MichiCANS Data Presentation July 2024
- MichiCANS Soft Launch Data Presentation
- MichiCANS Leadership Presentation 7/9/24
- MichiCANS PCE Demonstration - Eligibility Screening Training 6.28.24
- MichiCANS Overview 2024
- MichiCANS Overview in PCE Systems April 2024
Downloads
Children's Services Programs, Services, and Resources
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- Baby Court
- Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Children's HEDIS Newsletter (Dec 2023)
- Community Living Supports & Respite Care
- Cornerstone
- Fatherhood Initiative (Wayne County)
- Home-Based Services
- Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health
- Juvenile Mental Health Court
- Parent Support Partners
- Parent Management Training Oregon Model (PMTO)
- SED Waiver
- Services for LGBTQ+: Ruth Ellis Center Programs & Services
- Sexual Awareness Information and Treatment (SAIT) Program
- SUD Narcan Training Information
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Trauma Response Referral
- WRAPAROUND
- Youth Peer Support
- Youth United
Specialized Programs
Explore children's sub-programs
Cassandra Phipps
Director of Children's Initiative
Cassandra Phipps leads DWIHN's Children's Initiative, overseeing a broad continuum of behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and families across Wayne County. With dual licensure in professional counseling and substance use treatment, Cassandra brings both clinical depth and a systems-level perspective to expanding access for Michigan's most vulnerable youth — ensuring that every child can access the right services at the right time.
Every child in Wayne County deserves a chance to thrive. Our work is about removing every barrier between a family in need and the care that can change a child's life.
Getting Started
How to access children's services
Call DWIHN Access at 1-800-241-4949 (TTY 711). A clinician will conduct a brief screening and help connect your child to the right services. Schools, pediatricians, and hospitals can also make referrals.
Children's services are available to eligible DWIHN members under age 21 residing in Wayne County who are enrolled in Medicaid. Parents and guardians may contact DWIHN on behalf of their child.
- Child or adolescent ages 0–21
- Wayne County resident
- Enrolled in Medicaid (or eligible to enroll)
- Behavioral health need identified at intake
Need help right now?
If your child is in crisis, call 988 or our 24/7 crisis line at 1-800-241-4949.
Call 1-800-241-4949