A bill introduced by state Rep. Kathy Crawford, of Novi, to better protect children by instituting sweeping changes within Michigan’s Child Protective Services was approved Thursday with overwhelming, bipartisan support by the Michigan House of Representatives.

Crawford’s plan is part of a bipartisan package of bills in response to the Auditor General’s CPS performance audit last fall, which raised many concerns about the safety and well-being of Michigan children.

In response to recommendations made by the House Oversight Committee, Crawford introduced legislation to develop an abbreviated CPS investigation checklist allowing caseworkers to document reasons why they abbreviated an investigation. Abbreviated investigations occur when an investigator determines early on that no child abuse or neglect occurred.

“Mandated investigation into false reports of abuse and neglect take time away from real cases that need immediate attention,” said Crawford, chair of the House Families, Children and Seniors Committee. “By making CPS practices more efficient we can better serve Michigan’s vulnerable children.”

The package of bills now moves to be considered by the state Senate.

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