MI SB1533

Amends Michigan's Probate Code Chapter XIIA to clarify that probation officers or county agents cannot serve as referees in abuse/neglect cases involving children unless they are licensed to practice law, with limited exceptions for those serving before January 1, 1988.

Establishes new Section 14a allowing law enforcement officers to immediately take a child into protective custody without a court order when there is reasonable cause to believe the child is suffering serious harm or faces imminent risk, and requires immediate notification of the Department of Human Services.

Adds new Section 14b authorizing judges or referees to issue ex parte emergency orders allowing the Department of Human Services to take protective custody of a child and place them pending a preliminary hearing upon finding reasonable cause of serious harm or imminent risk and that reasonable efforts were made to prevent removal.

Requires that any ex parte protective custody order must state the basis for determining that continuation in the home is contrary to the child's welfare and must be served on parties before the preliminary hearing.

Expands definitions in Section 13a to include "attorney," "guardian ad litem," "lawyer-guardian ad litem," and "nonparent adult" to clarify roles and responsibilities in child protective proceedings.