Bill > SB0418

This bill modifies the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Act, which establishes the State Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board (referred to as the "state board" and also named the "children trust Michigan board") and outlines its powers and duties, as well as those of certain state departments. The bill clarifies definitions for terms like "child," "child abuse," "neglect," "prevention partner" (an organization focused on community prevention programs), "prevention program" (services for children, parents, or guardians), and "trust fund" (the children's trust fund). It details the composition of the state board, which includes state department directors or their designees and eleven public members appointed by the governor, representing various community sectors and expertise in child abuse and neglect prevention. The bill also specifies how the state board can disburse money from the trust fund, prioritizing funding for prevention programs run by non-profit or public organizations that can match 50% of the funds and demonstrate an ability to share program models, followed by funding for prevention partners and the board's operating expenses. It further outlines criteria for awarding grants to prevention partners, emphasizing their primary purpose of developing collaborative community prevention programs, their governance structure, and their ability to match funds. Finally, the bill mandates a thorough review of the state board's functions and performance by the auditor general every three years.