HB-4977, As Passed House, May 12, 2016

SUBSTITUTE FOR

HOUSE BILL NO. 4977

     A bill to amend 1994 PA 203, entitled

"Foster care and adoption services act,"

(MCL 722.951 to 722.960) by adding section 8c.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

     Sec. 8c. In addition to the specific policy described in

sections 8b and 8d, the department shall draft and maintain a

specific policy for foster children as provided in this section.

This specific policy shall be implemented by no later than 90 days

after the effective date of the amendatory act that added this

section and shall, in addition to the provisions of sections 8b and

8d, address the foster child's access to the following as age-

appropriate and as mandated by the court:

     (a) Regular contact with all of the foster child's

caseworkers, attorneys, and advocates.

     (b) Relevant information regarding a change in the foster

child's caseworker or attorney.

     (c) Reasonable notification of hearings.

     (d) Involvement in the foster child's own case plan

development and development of a plan for his or her future and

aging out of the foster care system.

     (e) Help with understanding the services available to foster

children and how to access those services.

     (f) A permanent plan for placement and the foster child's

participation in the development of that plan.

     (g) Protection of the foster child's privacy and

confidentiality regarding his or her case.

     Enacting section 1. This amendatory act does not take effect

unless all of the following bills of the 98th Legislature are

enacted into law:

     (a) House Bill No. 4976.

     (b) House Bill No. 4978.