Project Announcement:
The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is working with the Council of State Governments to study Michigan’s foster care system using data. The research they collect, along with information from OCA investigations, will help them make recommendations to improve the foster care system. This study will include interviews and listening sessions around the state. The Council of State Governments will also host a summit to talk about positive changes and solutions.
The OCA is looking for people from the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, as well as child welfare experts, practitioners, and those with personal experience in foster care, to help identify and suggest improvements. They are also looking for people interested in attending a summit to discuss and develop these recommendations.
If you want to attend the summit or join a listening session, please provide your contact information using the online registration form. If you have any questions or problems with the form, contact Bobbie DeCamp at dtmb-oca-fostercare@michigan.gov.
Please note: According to MCL 722.921, participating in this project will be confidential, used only for this act’s purposes, and not subject to court subpoena. It cannot be used in a legal proceeding and is exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. The project will end with an OCA report of findings and recommendations to state officials, including the governor and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), suggesting changes to Michigan’s foster care law, rules, and policies.
