MI HR0309

Declares November 2024 as Family Court Awareness Month in Michigan to raise awareness about family court's impact on child safety and family welfare.

Highlights that approximately 58,000 children in the U.S. are ordered into unsupervised contact with abusive parents annually, and 39 children have been killed by parents in Michigan since 2008 during custody disputes.

References the 2021 case of 3-year-old Dylan Thebo, fatally shot by his father during court-ordered visitation in Kent County despite his mother's repeated abuse reports.

Promotes judicial education and training on domestic violence, child abuse, trauma, and coercive control using evidence-based research, noting gender bias against mothers reporting abuse in family courts.

Encourages collaboration between legislators, advocates, and professionals to improve family court practices based on scientific research that prioritizes child safety and best interests.