MI SB0483

Requires reasonable efforts to place siblings removed from their home in the same foster care, kinship guardianship, or adoptive placement, unless documentation shows joint placement would be contrary to the siblings' safety or well-being.

Mandates at least monthly visitation or other ongoing interaction between separated siblings, unless the supervising agency documents that such contact would be harmful; courts must review agency decisions to suspend sibling contact.

Requires courts to permit regular and frequent parenting time (at least once every 7 days) between removed children and their parents unless exigent circumstances apply or supervised parenting time may cause harm to the child.

Requires agencies to report in writing the efforts made to prevent child removal or rectify conditions causing removal, including services provided and likely harms of separation versus return to parent.

Effective September 19, 2016; contingent on enactment of House Bill 5521.