The Governor expects to sign the bills before Christmas. The proposals were initially announced in the Governor's 1997 State of the State address. The new laws will strengthen investigations of child abuse and neglect by state social workers and law enforcement and help assure that children who cannot be reunited with their families find safe, secure homes as quickly as possible. Michigan has long been a leader in protecting children and these changes will help assure we continue to lead.
All children deserve to grow up safe from harm, in loving, supportive families.
Strengthen the role of the child's attorney. Assure that whenever it is safe to do so, children remain with family members. Expand foster care review boards statewide and allows the boards to review changes in foster care placements. Give priority for substance abuse services to families with children who have been removed or are at risk of removal. Require that the Family Independence Agency, prosecutors and local law enforcement officials conduct joint child abuse and neglect investigations.