Category: Help For Families
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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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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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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…
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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…
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Domestic Violence Victims Need to Know Their Rights When CPS Shows up!
For victims of domestic violence, daily life can be full of fear, uncertainty and pain. They never know when the next attack will come. They walk on eggshells, afraid of being assaulted, afraid to leave, and afraid of what the future holds. But more than anything, they fear for their children. They try to keep…
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CPS Defense Attorneys Need to be Willing to Fight!
Obviously, every attorney representing a client and hoping for the best possible outcome in that case needs to fight. It’s what attorneys do. But when it comes to CPS, it’s a different battle ground, and there are different rules. And unfortunately, given the rather depressing history that CPS has with the court – where for…
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CPS Defense Attorneys Are Here to Help. They’re More Than Just Lawyers
People’s association with those who are involved, in one capacity or another, with the child welfare system tends to be very single faceted. Roles tend to be either ‘the good guy’ or ‘the bad guy’. Not sure what we mean? Think about it. CPS workers are the bad guys because they take away your kids.…
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Happy Holidays From The Kronzek Firm!
It’s that time of year again – the season of gift giving, magical lights, and time spent with loved ones. Here at The Kronzek Firm we’d like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday, and a wonderful new year! We also understand that not everyone’s holidays are always merry and bright. With increased reports…
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Why Are Poor Parents Often Assumed to be Neglectful Parents?
Stop and think about it. A kid without a coat in winter could be neglected by their parents. Or they could be from a poor family who is struggling to keep the lights on and food on the table. Coats aren’t cheap (even second-hand ones can be pricey!). So which is it? And what should…
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How The Welfare System Makes it Harder For Battered Mothers to Seek Help! (Pt 1)
The National Coalition for Child Protection Reform has a very interesting, and honestly very sad story, about a policy California enforces that sounds unpleasantly like something you’d find right here in Michigan. The story tracks a mother named Ingrid Archie who was subject to regular assault from her domestic partner. Archie did everything she could…