MI SB0973

Establishes a child welfare partnership council within the Department of Human Services consisting of 9 members including state agency directors, private child welfare agency representatives, public members, a family court judge, and a county official.

Council members appointed by the governor serve 4-year terms (except initial appointees with staggered 2-4 year terms) and receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for travel expenses consistent with state rules.

Council shall guide ongoing planning, fiscal modeling, and continuous quality improvement of a state-administered performance-based child welfare system using data-driven analysis and performance outcomes.

Council may establish subcommittees and advisory workgroups to make recommendations, conduct business at public meetings compliant with the Open Meetings Act, and provide annual reports to the Department and legislative appropriations committees with nonbinding recommendations.

Act is repealed effective May 1, 2018.