Oakland County Adult Foster Care Facility Forced To Shut Down: AG

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI — An Oakland County woman is being forced to shut down her unlicensed adult foster care facility in Farmington Hills, according to the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

Oakland County Circuit Judge David Cohen granted a permanent injunction last week against Erica Edwards and her unlicensed adult foster care facility, ETE Homes Inc., which was operating as Talison Assisted Living at 30114 Ardmore Drive.

"Thousands of Michigan families rely on and trust adult foster care to be a safe haven for their loved ones," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. "Lacking proper training and oversight, unlicensed facilities put residents at risk, and my office will continue to pursue bad actors that endanger their overall well-being. To ensure your loved one receives the best possible care, remember to always research a facility’s history and verify their license with LARA."

Under the injunction, Edwards must cooperate with Adult Protective Services workers and related agencies to discharge and relocate residents needing adult foster care. Residents were to be relocated to an appropriate facility or setting as necessary, according to the attorney general's office.

Officials first began investigating the facility in March 2023 after receiving a complaint. Investigators found Edwards was running the facility inside a residential home with live-in staff and at least eight foster care residents, according to the attorney general's office.

At least one of the patients needed physical assistance and others required around-the-clock care, as well as staff administered medication, all while the facility accepted payment from its residents without a proper license, according to the attorney general's office.

Judge Cohen first ruled last December that the facility was violating the Adult Foster Care Facility Licensing Act and added Edwards, and her companies, agents, or employees from providing unlicensed care with a preliminary injunction. Cohen then warned the injunction could become permanent.

Edwards told Hometown Life that her facility won awards and helped address mental illness and homelessness.

"Based on lack of resources in Michigan and hospitals, I’ve made conscious decision to not move forward with licensing," Edwards told the outlet. "The best care comes from a person which simply enjoys helping people get back on their feet and living their lives to the absolute fullest. Which I have done!"