Children: foster care; assessments of education facilities at child care institutions; require. Amends 1994 PA 203 (MCL 722.951 - 722.960) by adding sec. 8e.
Impact
The bill's enactment is intended to provide the state legislature with more comprehensive data regarding the educational experiences of children in foster care. By compelling state departments to gather and present detailed information, the legislation seeks to foster accountability and responsiveness from educational institutions towards the unique needs of this vulnerable population. It is anticipated that this will influence state policies on education and social services, contributing to improved educational strategies tailored for children who undergo instability due to foster care placements.
Summary
House Bill 4677 aims to amend the existing standards for foster care and adoption services in Michigan. Specifically, it mandates the creation of annual reports detailing various educational metrics for children in foster care. These reports will highlight crucial aspects such as the number of foster children per grade level, their academic performance on standardized assessments, and statistics on school transfers, suspensions, and drops out amid systemic educational challenges. This initiative is positioned to enhance understanding and reform of educational outcomes for those in foster care, aiming to ensure that they receive appropriate educational opportunities and interventions.
Sentiment
Overall sentiment around HB 4677 appears to be positive, as legislators recognize the importance of addressing the educational disparities faced by children in foster care. The bill enjoyed unanimous support in its voting process, indicating a collective acknowledgment of its necessity. However, some concerns were raised regarding the practical implications of gathering such extensive data and the potential administrative burden on the involved departments, which could affect implementation timelines and resource allocation.
Contention
While the bill is widely supported, discussions also surfaced regarding its effectiveness in truly transforming the educational outcomes of foster children. Critics express skepticism about whether mere reporting will lead to substantive changes in practices within schools and child welfare services. There were calls for not only collecting data but also for committing resources and developing actionable plans based on the findings, indicating an awareness that data alone might not suffice to rectify the systemic issues within the foster care system.
Children: foster care; benefits for a foster youth; require certain percentage deposited into an account until youth becomes 18 years of age. Amends 1994 PA 203 (MCL 722.951 - 722.960) by adding sec. 8e.
Children: child care; assessments of education facilities at child care institutions; require. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1281c.
Children: foster care; department to use or conserve benefits for children in foster care in the best interests of the children in foster care; provide. Amends 1994 PA 203 (MCL 722.951 - 722.960) by adding sec. 8f.
Children: foster care; conditions on the use of certain benefits for a child in foster care; provide. Amends 1994 PA 203 (MCL 722.951 - 722.960) by adding sec. 8f.
Children: foster care; conditions on the use of certain benefits for a child in foster care; provide. Amends 1994 PA 203 (MCL 722.951 - 722.960) by adding sec. 8f.
Children: services; reference to "children's ombudsman" in the foster care and adoption services act; amend to "child advocate". Amends secs. 5, 8a, 8b & 8d of 1994 PA 203 (MCL 722.955 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4638'23
Children: services; reference to “children’s ombudsman” in the foster care and adoption services act; amend to “child advocate”. Amends secs. 5, 8a, 8b & 8d of 1994 PA 203 (MCL 722.955 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0432'23
Directing The Department Of Health And Social Services And Department Of Education To Prepare Reports On Demographic Data In Early Child Care And Education Populations.