Bill > HB4638

This bill amends the Children's Ombudsman Act to modify the powers and duties of the office, which is now renamed the "Office of the Child Advocate." The key provisions are: - Expanding the office's authority to investigate administrative acts by the Department of Health and Human Services, child placing agencies, residential facilities, and others involved in child protective services, foster care, adoption, and juvenile justice services. - Renaming the position from "Children's Ombudsman" to "Child Advocate" and modifying the appointment and removal procedures. - Expanding the list of individuals who can file a complaint with the Child Advocate, including judges, the governor, and attorneys for various parties. - Granting the Child Advocate additional investigative powers, such as accessing records, issuing subpoenas, and making recommendations directly to the legislature. - Requiring residential facilities to provide information about the Child Advocate's services and allow for private interviews during investigations. - Maintaining confidentiality of the Child Advocate's records, with some exceptions for disclosing findings and recommendations. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen oversight and advocacy for children involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems in Michigan.

Justice

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2023-HB-4638