Ty Partridge, a developmental psychologist at Wayne State University, recently argued that living in safer areas with better schools gives children hope for a future. The Family to Family strategy - which will be used in 85 percent of Michigan counties by year\'s end - aims to reduce the number of children placed outside their birth families and communities. \"You\'re removing from them the opportunity to experience a more positive outcome,\" Partridge said. Partridge said the state\'s aims under the Family to Family strategy are laudable, but many foster care children are raised in detrimental environments. "Keeping them in those environments - when they already are at greater risk because of neglect - does not help," he added.