Waterford Today

Rep. Andrea Schroeder (R-Independence Township) is speaking up for Michigan's neglected and abused children who don't have a voice.

“There are systemic issues we must correct as soon as possible to protect Michigan’s most-vulnerable population – abused and neglected kids,” said Schroeder. “Our plan will help provide proper guidelines and tools for CPS to do a better job of fulfilling its mission to protect our children.”

Schroeder's proposal, House Bill 4706, is part of a package that addresses concerns raised in an audit of the system designed to keep Michigan's children safe.

The plan allows CPS workers the flexibility to spend more time with families that are higher risk and requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to follow up on all cases where abuse or neglect is expected to continue.

The plan also states clearly defined procedures for CPS to investigate instances of suspected child abuse or neglect within 24 hours of it being reported. Caseworkers will be allowed to focus more time on high-risk cases because unfounded cases will follow an abbreviated investigation. DHHS will ensure that county CPS departments have an established system of policies and procedures and report quarterly to the legislature the health of CPS performance.

House Bills 4704-9 will now be considered in the Senate.