JUVENILE CODE: "RELATIVE" & "SIBLING"                                                 S.B. 530 (S-1):

                                                                                     SUMMARY OF BILL REPORTED

                                                                                                     FROM COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 530 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor:  Senator Judy K. Emmons

Committee:  Families, Seniors and Human Services

CONTENT

The bill would amend the juvenile code to provide that the term "relative" would include a stepparent, ex-stepparent, and parent who shares custody of a half-sibling for the purpose of placement; require notification to those individuals as required in the Foster Care and Adoption Services Act; and add a definition of "sibling".

Section 13a(1) of the juvenile code defines various terms for purposes of that section and other specified sections of the code. That section defines "relative" as an individual who is at least 18 years of age and related to the child by blood, marriage, or adoption, as grandparent, great-grandparent, great-great-grandparent, aunt or uncle, sibling, step-sibling, nephew or niece, first cousin or first cousin once removed, and the spouse of any of those individuals, including after the marriage has ended by death or divorce.

The bill specifies that a stepparent, ex-stepparent, or the parent who shares custody of a half-sibling would have to be considered a relative for purposes of placement. Notification to the stepparent, ex-stepparent, or the parent who shares custody of a half-sibling would be required as described in the Foster Care and Adoption Services Act. (Under that Act, if a child has been placed in a supervising agency's care under the juvenile code, the agency is required to identify, locate, notify, and consult with relatives to determine placement with a fit and appropriate relative who would meet the child's needs. The notification must comply with certain requirements.)

The bill also would define "sibling" as a child who is related through birth or adoption by at least one common parent. "Sibling" would include that term as defined by the American Indian or Alaskan native child's tribal code or custom.

The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.

MCL 712A.13a                                                         Legislative Analyst:  Patrick Affholter

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed:  10-20-15                                                  Fiscal Analyst:  Ryan Bergan

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.