HOUSE BILL NO. 4711

June 11, 2019, Introduced by Reps. Steven Johnson, Slagh, Markkanen, Allor, Maddock, Miller, LaFave, Green, Reilly, Byrd, Neeley, Paquette, Yaroch and Garrett and referred to the Committee on Families, Children, and Seniors.

A bill to amend 1994 PA 203, entitled

"Foster care and adoption services act,"

by amending section 4 (MCL 722.954).

the people of the state of michigan enact:

Sec. 4. (1) Before certifying an individual for licensure as a foster parent, a child placing agency shall must conduct an orientation designed to ensure the individual's understanding of the purposes of foster care, including the temporary nature of foster care and the ultimate goal of returning the child to his or her permanent family or preparing the child for adoption.

(2) Before placing a child with foster parents, a child placing agency shall must provide the foster parents with written information including all of the following:

(a) Any history of abuse or neglect of the child.

(b) All known emotional and psychological problems of the child.

(c) All behavior problems of the child that might present any risk to the foster family.

(d) Any other information necessary to enable the foster family to provide a stable, safe, and healthy environment for the foster child and for other members of the foster family.

(3) The child placing agency shall explain to the foster parents that the information provided under subsection (2) about the child and the child's family is confidential.

(4) After a child placing agency has certified an individual for licensure as a foster parent, the department shall not deny a license or otherwise discriminate against a foster parent, or potential foster parent, because of the immunization status of the foster parent or his or her birth or adopted children.