MI HB4977

Department shall draft and maintain a specific policy for foster children within 90 days of the amendatory act's effective date.

Policy shall address foster children's access to regular contact with caseworkers, attorneys, and advocates as age-appropriate and court-mandated.

Policy shall ensure foster children receive relevant information about changes in caseworker or attorney assignments and reasonable notification of hearings.

Policy shall enable foster children's involvement in their own case plan development and planning for aging out of the foster care system.

Policy shall address access to available services, permanent placement plans with child participation, and protection of privacy and confidentiality regarding the child's case.