South Kent News

A pair of bills that would ensure compliance with new, stricter regulations that will release federal funds into Michigan’s foster care system were put forward last week by state Sen. John Bizon (R-Battle Creek).

The bills focus on the placement of children in foster care with families in the community.

"Strong families and loving support networks are the foundation of strong societies, and we must help ensure children are part of such healthy relationships," Bizon said in a Sept. 5 press release. "These bills will discourage the state from placing children in facilities unless they are designed to truly foster care."

The two proposals, Senate Bill 466 and Senate Bill 468, will align the state’s foster care system with the federal Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), making the state eligible for “increased federal prevention funding,” the press release states.

Ultimately, the laws are designed to increase the support offered to foster children and to ensure they have adequate support networks. The FFPSA limits the state's ability to collect federal funding for residential facilities unless the facility offers supervised independent living to those older than 18; offers enhanced support to victims of sex trafficking; and access to appropriate prenatal, postpartum and parental resources for youth, the release said.