Demetrius Starling

Demetrius Starling is the Senior Deputy Director, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. In this role, he oversees the state’s child welfare system, including Children’s Protective Services (CPS), the foster care system, adoption services, family preservation services, and juvenile justice programs.

Demetrius has worked in the child welfare field for more than 20 years, beginning with his career as a CPS specialist at Wayne County Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). He has since served in numerous managerial positions at MDHHS, including the director for Sanilac and St. Clair counties’ MDHHS.

Prior to his appointment as Children’s Services Administration (CSA) executive director in May 2021, Demetrius served as CSA’s in-home services bureau director overseeing prevention, preservation, and protection programs. During his time at CSA, he has been an integral part of formulating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, human trafficking initiatives, and served on various continuous quality improvement teams.

Demetrius earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University.