SB-0994 Summary

• Court may reinstate parental rights if adoption or guardianship is no longer the child's permanency goal, at least 3 years have passed since termination, and the child is at least 14 years old or is a younger sibling of a child age 14 or older.

• Department of Human Services, MCI (Michigan Children's Institute), or child's lawyer-guardian ad litem may file petition for reinstatement; court must conduct criminal background check and central registry clearance before hearing.

• Court shall consider parent's fitness and remedy of original grounds for termination, child's age and preferences, risk to child's health and safety, and material changes in circumstances since termination order.

• If court finds reinstatement in child's best interests by clear and convincing evidence, it may order either immediate reinstatement or a trial period not exceeding 180 days with MCI retaining legal custody and providing supervision and transition services.

• Successful completion of trial period results in full reinstatement of all parental rights, duties, and obligations; court must review trial period every 90 days and can terminate if permanent reinstatement is not in child's best interests.