State Rep. Bronna Kahle has introduced a plan to improve Michigan’s foster care system and the lives of children living in foster care.

House Bill 5801 creates the Foster Care Improvement Commission, which would meet periodically throughout each year to research best practices in foster care, recommend improvements to the child welfare system, and publish an annual report on their findings, among other activities.

Kahle’s measure was introduced in conjunction with several other bills inspired by the findings within a report compiled last year by the House’s bipartisan Adoption and Foster Care Task Force.

The task force’s mission was to listen to people from the entire continuum of the state’s child welfare system, partner with experienced and knowledgeable professionals to learn how and why the system is falling short, and find effective solutions to ensure that every child has champions and forever homes by developing better, more effective systems to ensure their voices are heard.

“This commission is a necessary step in our efforts to continuously improve the lives of children living in foster care and ensuring they have the love and support they need to grow and succeed in their lives,” Kahle said. “By constantly improving the system and reviewing best practices nationwide, we can ensure Michigan’s foster care system is servicing our children as best as it possibly can.”

The plan was referred to the Family, Children, and Seniors Committee for consideration.

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