MI HB5948

Court must review guardianships annually for minors under 6 years old and may review at other times, considering factors including compliance with placement plans, guardian's adequacy in providing for minor's welfare, necessity of guardianship, and effects on the minor's welfare.

Parents may petition to terminate a limited guardianship or guardianship established under section 5204, and court shall terminate a limited guardianship if parents substantially complied with the placement plan, with up to 6 months for reintegration into parental home.

For other guardianship termination petitions, court may terminate guardianship if in minor's best interests, continue for up to 1 year with court-structured plans, or continue if clear and convincing evidence shows continuation serves minor's best interests after 1+ year of guardian custody.

Court may order Department of Health and Human Services (replacing references to Family Independence Agency) to conduct investigations, supervise transitions, provide reintegration services, and may appoint attorneys or guardians ad litem to represent minor's interests.

Bill applies to all guardianships established before, on, or after April 1, 2000.