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Cases in the state of Michigan only

  • Understanding the Role of the Office of the Child Advocate in Michigan

    Navigating the complexities of Michigan’s child welfare system can be daunting for families. The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) plays a crucial role in ensuring children’s rights and well-being are upheld. This independent state agency is tasked to investigate complaints and make recommendations to improve Michigan’s child welfare (CPS) system. Investigating Complaints A complaint…

  • Defending Against CPS Allegations of Shaken Baby Syndrome: Insights from the Michigan Supreme Court – People v. Lemons

    Children’s Protective Services (CPS) cases can be extremely stressful and have life altering consequences for parents. When allegations of child abuse, such as Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), arise, the stakes are even higher. The Michigan Supreme Court case, People v. Lemons, provides valuable insights into defending against CPS allegations and accusations. This blog explores key…

  • Empowering Michigan Families: The Need for Enhanced Education in Caregiver Rights Legislation

    Here in Michigan, the well-being of children and the rights of parents and guardians are of utmost importance to all of us. As with other states, Michigan has legislation to address child abuse and neglect, influenced by federal funding mandates. This legislation must balance the state’s interest in child safety with Constitutionally mandated respect for…

  • Strengthening Tribal Families Act: Safeguarding Native Children and Cultures

    The Strengthening Tribal Families Act of 2023 is a significant legislative step toward protecting Native American children and preserving their cultural heritage. Introduced in the 118th Congress, this bill aims to enhance compliance of Children’s Protective Services with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA), which establishes federal standards for the removal and placement of Indian children…

  • Michigan Leads the Way in Kinship Care: A Breakthrough for Our Families and Child Protection

    In a groundbreaking move, Michigan has become the first state to implement a new rule transforming kinship care practices. This rule permits states to develop an alternative path for approving kinship caregivers while receiving federal money to support these placements. Let’s delve into the details of this significant development. The Kinship Care Revolution Prominent child welfare researcher Mark Testa aptly described it as…

  • What Happens to My Child While I’m in Prison?

    Parents who are or may be incarcerated both share a concern about what happens to their child while they are in jail and how their arrest may affect their parental rights. The main concern may be whether the parent’s new criminal record may influence CPS’s ability to take their children. The short answer is no.…

  • CPS Came Knocking At Your Door. Don’t Panic!

    All Michigan parents know the difficulties faced when getting your child out the door in the morning to go to school. Every parent knows that early bedtimes when the kids are sick can take forever. Every mom and dad has struggled to make it to soccer practice on time.  Imagine being in one of these…

  • How Long Can A CPS Investigation Be Open?

    Children’s Protective Services, or CPS, cannot remove a child in the State of Michigan without a court order unless there are emergency circumstances. In those cases, a police officer must be present for the removal and a hearing must be held within 24 hours of the removal.   As an internal policy, a CPS investigation…

  • The Movement to Quickly Report Child Abuse … Are There Downsides?

    Here in Michigan and nationally, there have been increased measures taken to protect children from neglect and abuse. Keeping children safe is of course a priority, but there is one growing consequence of this movement – falsely accused parents. Our team of experienced CPS defense attorneys sees increasing numbers of false accusations of child abuse…

  • Michigan’s Newest Mandatory Reporters

    There is growing concern right here in Michigan, and nationally, about unreported sexual abuse or neglect, specifically in children. In an effort to protect those victims, Michigan law will now make physical and occupational therapists and athletic trainers mandatory reporters of reasonably suspected child abuse or neglect.  Michigan’s Child Protection Law designates certain professionals as…