Category: Child Welfare System
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How to Terminate a Guardianship of a Minor Child in Michigan
In Michigan, guardianship gives a non-parent legal authority over a minor child. Guardianship of a minor child can be established voluntarily, through a parent’s consent, or involuntarily by court order when a parent is unable to provide proper care. Guardianship is not necessarily permanent, and if you are seeking to end a guardianship, you should…
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Guardianship in Michigan: Attorney Brandy Thompson Explains
When CPS becomes involved, speaking with an experienced attorney who understands your options is crucial. Consulting with an experienced CPS attorney is the best way to know which options are best for you, based on your circumstances. In this blog, we’ll explore the option of guardianship in Michigan child welfare cases, including cases in Ingham…
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Neglectful Parent v. Incorrigible Child: What the decision in In Re D. V. Lange tells us
When a child’s mental health needs escalate, parents may face choosing between household safety and neglect allegations. Michigan courts are often asked to decide where that line is drawn—particularly when a parent has exhausted treatment options but still cannot safely bring a child home. The case discussed below addresses this exact dilemma and clarifies how…
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Permanency Planning Hearings in Michigan Child Welfare Cases
When a child is removed from the home due to abuse or neglect allegations, Michigan law requires the court to hold regular Permanency Planning Hearings. These hearings act as checkpoints to determine if steps are being made for the child to be able to return to the home. Working with an experienced attorney for these…
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Incarcerated Parents Still Have Rights: What the Marcusse Case Tells Us About MCR 2.004 in Michigan Child Welfare Law
When a parent is incarcerated during a child protective proceeding, Michigan law requires that they still be allowed the right to participate in the process. A recent unpublished Michigan Court of Appeals decision highlights the importance of those rights and the legal obligations of the courts and DHHS to protect them. In In re Marcusse…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Desperation Without Dignity: Just One More Reason to Keep Families Together!
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times – taking kids away from their families only to abandon them in youth homes is a terrible idea! And this report by a federally mandated watchdog group, the National Disability Rights Network, only serves to prove our point: Families should be supported in place,…
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What Happens After Someone Reports Child Abuse to The Authorities? (Pt 2)
Hello there and welcome back. We’ve been discussing what happens after someone calls the authorities and reports suspected child abuse or neglect, and what takes place after the report has been made. As we mentioned in the previous article, regardless of who you report to, in the end the cops are told. And if CPS…