The state House today unanimously approved a bipartisan plan introduced by Rep. Kathy Crawford to help child care organizations better serve Michigan families.

Crawford’s plan would ensure the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and other organizations working with DHHS have access to private information that will remain confidential in child welfare cases.

Additionally, giving national accreditation programs confidential access to this information will ensure Michigan’s private welfare agencies meet the highest standards for the children and families they serve.

“This plan gives caseworkers the additional resources they need to help protect the children they care for,” said Crawford, of Novi. “Caseworkers must have the most relevant and recent information to ensure the children they oversee are as healthy as they can be.”

The bill passed the House 109-0.

House Bill 4549 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

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