Macomb prosecutor helps abused and neglected children, brings in $100,000 to help offset costs

Macomb County received more than $100,000 so far this year for services provided by the county prosecutor to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to handle court proceedings regarding the abuse and neglect of children.

“This helps protect Macomb County Children, and offsets some of the cost and expenses to the county,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

MDHHS has contracted with the prosecutor’s office to help abused and neglected Macomb County children by handling petition review hearings and reviewing pleadings, keeping Macomb County kids safer. Under the contract, the prosecutor’s Juvenile Division started billing MDHHS in January and bills hourly.  In August, the prosecutor’s Child Protective Services Unit started billing, as well.  The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office handled 263 abuse and neglect cases in 2022 so far this year.

This is not the only way Lucido wants to provide savings and value to taxpayers.  He asked the Macomb County Board of Commissioners for more support staff in the 2023 budget, whose duties if approved, would include generating revenue by billing for more Juvenile Division and Child Protective Services Unit services. Lucido also asked for a part-time professional to seek and apply for grants because, he says, Macomb County is leaving too many grants on the table. The office will seek grants including those to battle human trafficking crimes, hate crimes, crisis intervention regarding gun violence cases, violence intervention strategies, responsibilities and needs of the special treatment courts, environmental matters, and other opportunities.

Approval of the prosecutor’s 2023 budget as requested by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners would mean abuse and neglect cases will be billed, increasing funds to help offset costs at the prosecutor’s office, and that more grants will be sought.  Regarding the requested part-time grant writer, Lucido says the revenue from grants generated in 2022 already exceeded the potential $35,000 cost of the position, and agreed that if it does not in 2023, then the grant writer contract would not be renewed.  

Lucido’s requested 2023 budget percentage increase for the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office is less than the 2023 requested budget percentage increases for the Macomb County Finance Department, Office of the County Executive, MSU Extension, and IT Department.  The Commission is scheduled to vote on the 2023 budget later this month.