MI HB6347

Allows courts to reinstate parental rights if 3 or more years have passed since termination, the child is at least 14 years old (or is a younger sibling of such a child), and adoption or guardianship is no longer the permanency goal.

Department, Michigan Children's Institute (MCI), or child's lawyer-guardian ad litem may petition for reinstatement; court must conduct hearing if it appears the parent may be fit and reinstatement serves child's best interests.

Requires criminal background check and central registry clearance before hearing; court must consider parent's fitness, whether grounds for termination have been remedied, child's preferences, and risks to child's health or safety.

Court may order immediate reinstatement if clear and convincing evidence shows it serves child's best interests, or order trial period not exceeding 180 days with MCI retaining legal custody and ability to remove child if warranted.

Trial period reviewed every 90 days with agency assessments submitted to court; successful completion results in permanent reinstatement restoring all parental rights, duties, and obligations regarding custody, control, and support.