Crisis Support Services for Families in Grand Rapids, Michigan

In a family crisis—whether there is violence in the home, a child is at risk of abuse or neglect, or someone is thinking about self-harm—fast, local help in Grand Rapids is only a phone call away. Knowing where to turn can protect your safety and your children’s wellbeing.

In an Emergency, Always Call 911

If you or a family member is in immediate danger, or you fear someone may be seriously harmed:

  • Call 911 right away

This includes situations such as:

  • Active domestic violence or threats of violence
  • A child in immediate danger
  • Someone threatening suicide or serious self-harm

Grand Rapids first responders (Grand Rapids Police Department, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and local EMS) are trained to respond to mental health and family violence emergencies.

Crisis Lines and Child Protection in Grand Rapids, MI

Mental Health and Suicide Crisis Support

If you or someone in your family is thinking about hurting themselves or is in severe emotional distress, you can call:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, nationwide, including Grand Rapids)

These services are free, confidential, and available to adults, teens, and children.

Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting – Michigan

If you are concerned about the immediate safety of a child in Grand Rapids or anywhere in Michigan, you can contact:

  • Michigan Child Abuse & Neglect Central Intake (CPS) – 24/7
    • Phone: 1-855-444-3911 (toll-free in Michigan)

You should call if you reasonably believe a child is being abused, neglected, or is at serious risk of harm.

Locally, reports and investigations are coordinated with:

  • Kent County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
  • Kent County Prosecutor’s Office (for criminal matters)
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for related public health and family support services

Shared Responsibility for Child Safety in Grand Rapids

Keeping children safe in Grand Rapids is a shared responsibility between:

  • Parents and caregivers
  • Extended family members
  • Schools, healthcare providers, and faith communities
  • Neighbors and community organizations
  • Local and state government services

When adults caring for children are abusive, neglectful, or misuse their power, Michigan’s Child Protective Services (CPS) is authorized to:

  • Investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect
  • Intervene legally to protect a child when required
  • Work with the family and community services to improve safety

What Child Protection Services Do

Child Protection Services in Michigan focuses on children and teens at significant risk of harm due to abuse or neglect, especially when a parent or caregiver is unwilling or unable to protect them.

Key functions include:

  • Investigating reports of suspected abuse or neglect
  • Assessing risk and safety in the home
  • Making applications to the court when a child’s safety cannot be ensured within the family
  • Administering protection orders and court-ordered services
  • Referring families to community-based supports in Grand Rapids, such as:
    • Counseling and mental health services
    • Parenting support programs
    • Substance use treatment
    • Domestic violence services

After a report is made, CPS may:

  • Provide advice to the person who reported
  • Open a formal investigation
  • Refer the family to local support services (such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or local counseling agencies)
  • Decide that no further action is needed if the report does not meet criteria

Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse in Michigan

In Michigan, certain professionals are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect if they have a reasonable belief that:

  • A child has been, or is at risk of, significant harm
  • The harm is due to physical or sexual abuse or severe neglect
  • The parents or caregivers have not protected, or are unlikely to protect, the child

Mandatory reporters include:

  • Registered medical practitioners and physicians
  • Nurses and midwives
  • Michigan police officers
  • Registered teachers and school principals
  • School counselors and psychologists
  • Early childhood educators and child care workers
  • Youth justice workers
  • Out-of-home care workers (excluding voluntary foster and kinship carers)

However, any adult in Michigan—not just professionals—can and should report suspected child abuse or neglect.

Failure to Disclose Child Sexual Abuse

Michigan law requires adults to take action when they reasonably believe that a sexual offence has been committed by an adult against a child (under 18):

  • Failing to report such concerns to law enforcement or CPS may have legal consequences.
  • This duty applies to all adults in Michigan, not only professionals, unless there is a reasonable legal excuse.

If you suspect child sexual abuse in Grand Rapids:

  • Call CPS: 1-855-444-3911
  • Or contact your local police or Kent County Sheriff’s Office
  • In immediate danger, call 911

Out-of-Home Care and Foster Care in Grand Rapids

When a child cannot safely live with their parent or caregiver, out-of-home care may be arranged. These placements are often the result of a court order and can include:

  • Kinship Care (Relative Placement)

    • The child lives with relatives or close family friends
    • Supported by Michigan DHHS or local community service organizations

  • Foster Care

    • The child is placed with licensed foster parents
    • Supported by agencies such as DHHS and local foster care organizations serving the Grand Rapids area

  • Residential Care

    • The child lives in a staffed residential unit or group home
    • Often managed by community service organizations

  • Voluntary Care

    • There is no court order
    • A parent consents to a temporary care arrangement with a service provider for the child

Kinship and foster care are often referred to as “home-based care” because they take place in a family home.

For more information about foster care and kinship care in the Grand Rapids area, families can connect with:

  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – Kent County Office
  • Local foster care agencies partnered with Spectrum Health, Mercy Health, and other community organizations

Family Violence Support Services in Grand Rapids

If you are experiencing violence at home in Grand Rapids, you are not alone. Local and state services offer:

  • Individual counseling
  • Specialized support groups for survivors of domestic and family violence
  • Safety planning and crisis intervention
  • Referrals to shelters, legal support, and community resources

These services aim to:

  1. Promote early intervention to prevent the start or escalation of family violence
  2. Prevent future violence by providing post-crisis support, education, and ongoing counseling

Women and other survivors in Grand Rapids who want to explore personal protection orders (PPOs) or other legal protections can:

  • Contact a local domestic violence advocate or shelter
  • Reach out to legal aid services in Kent County
  • Ask hospital social workers at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health for referrals

These services can help:

  • Explain your legal options
  • Assist with PPO applications
  • Support you in court appearances
  • Help you create a safety plan for you and your children

Safe Housing and Emergency Shelter

If you need to leave home quickly because of family violence, you may be able to access:

  • Domestic violence shelters and safe houses in the Grand Rapids and West Michigan region
  • Short-term emergency housing and transitional housing programs

Local domestic violence hotlines and shelters can:

  • Help arrange refuge accommodation
  • Provide transportation assistance when possible
  • Connect you with counseling, legal aid, and financial support programs

Financial Help for Families in Crisis

Families in Grand Rapids going through severe hardship may qualify for financial assistance through federal and state programs. Situations that may qualify include:

  • Being a victim of family or domestic violence
  • Being affected by a natural disaster (such as severe winter storms or flooding common in the Great Lakes region)
  • Being released from prison or psychiatric confinement and needing emergency support

Possible supports include:

  • One-time crisis payments or emergency assistance
  • Ongoing income support through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or state programs
  • Help with food (SNAP benefits), housing, and utilities

For more information:

  • Visit Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
  • Explore federal resources at USA.gov and Benefits.gov
  • Contact local community organizations and churches in Grand Rapids that provide emergency assistance

Language Support and Interpreter Services

For family members who are not confident in English, many Grand Rapids healthcare and social services offer interpreter support, including:

  • Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health
  • State and county social services offices

Interpreter services may be provided:

  • In person
  • Over the phone
  • Via video conferencing

You can request:

  • The language and dialect you speak
  • A male or female interpreter, if you have a preference

Simply tell your healthcare provider, social worker, or crisis service that you need an interpreter.

Local Context: Why Crisis Support Matters in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids and the broader West Michigan region face unique challenges that can increase family stress:

  • Cold, snowy winters can lead to isolation, seasonal depression, and heating or housing difficulties
  • Economic changes in manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries can strain family finances
  • Diverse communities, including refugees and immigrants, may face language barriers and trauma from past experiences

Because of these factors, it is especially important that families in Grand Rapids know how to access:

  • Mental health care
  • Domestic violence support
  • Child protection and family services

Local health systems like Spectrum Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids, along with Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health, work together with community organizations to provide these supports.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

In an emergency:

  • Call 911

For mental health or suicide crisis (any age):

To report child abuse or neglect in Michigan:

  • Call 1-855-444-3911 (Michigan Child Abuse & Neglect Central Intake – 24/7)

For domestic or family violence support (West Michigan):

  • Contact a local domestic violence shelter or hotline (your local police, hospital social worker, or 211 can connect you)
  • Call 211 in Michigan to be connected to nearby shelters, counseling, and legal resources

For general health and family support in Grand Rapids:

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health
  • Social work departments at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health

You do not have to face a family crisis alone. Grand Rapids and the State of Michigan offer many confidential, professional services to help keep you and your children safe, supported, and connected to the care you need.