MI HB4118

Supervising agencies must identify, locate, notify, and consult with relatives within 30 days of a child's removal to determine placement with a fit and appropriate relative.

Relative notifications must specify that the child has been removed, explain participation options and potential loss of options, describe foster family home requirements and monetary benefits, and explain guardianship assistance agreements.

Supervising agencies must make a placement decision within 90 days of removal and document reasons in writing.

Supervising agencies must give special consideration and preference to willing, fit relatives who would meet the child's developmental, emotional, and physical needs, with all placement decisions made in the child's best interest.

Persons receiving a placement decision may request documentation within 5 days and request the child's attorney review the decision; if the attorney determines it is not in the child's best interest, they must petition the court for a review hearing within 14 days.