'Foster Children's Bill of Rights' approved by Michigan House

Legislation introduced by state Rep. Pamela Hornberger offering Michigan foster children much-needed stability was overwhelmingly approved today by the Michigan House of Representatives. The measure is part of a three-bill bipartisan package.

The package creates the Children’s Assurance of Quality Foster Care Policy, which spells out the rights all foster children should expect to receive in Michigan.

“As a former educator, I witnessed firsthand the vulnerability of the children in our foster care system,” said Hornberger, R-Chesterfield Township. “These kids are most often dealing with difficult and confusing circumstances resulting in them entering the foster care system. We owe it to them to ensure they are placed into healthy environments with as little disruption to their lives as possible.”

The legislation, which Hornberger sponsored alongside Rep. Terry Sabo (D-Muskegon) and Rep. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake), includes the following assurances for foster children:

· Placement with relatives and siblings, when appropriate.

· Ongoing contact and visits with parents, relatives and friends, if permitted by the court.

· Timely enrollment in school with consistent placement in the same school, when possible.

· Access to religious and cultural activities.

· Regular contact with their caseworkers, attorneys and advocates.

· Involvement in their own case plan development, including plans for their future and aging out of the foster care system.

· Protection of privacy and confidentiality regarding their case.

Specifically, Hornberger’s bill requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to provide foster children with information on the policies and how to report violations.

“Offering children easy access to information about their rights will help build self-confidence as they enter the system,” Hornberger said. “Knowledge is power, and these kids need to know where to get help within the foster care system if inappropriate care is provided.”

House Bills 5121-23 now move to the Senate for consideration.