LANSING — The director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services testified before a state House committee this week, defending the department’s handling of various public health issues.

Elizabeth Hertel, director of the department, was subpoenaed by the state House Oversight Committee earlier this year.

Lawmakers asked Hertel questions about how the department handles cases of potential child neglect , detailing instances where children were allowed to go back to homes that appeared unsanitary.

One instance in Monroe County saw children who were previously in contact with MDHHS living in a car, after their family was no longer able to stay in a shelter.

Hertel argued that the department lacks the resources to help in some instances without clear evidence of neglect.

“W

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