State Rep. Doug Wozniak, who serves on the House Families, Children and Seniors Committee, has voted in support of legislation ensuring children in foster care are placed in the best environments possible.

Senate Bills 466-469 and 539 would make reforms to Michigan’s foster care system to implement changes required by the federal Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA).

Wozniak said studies show children in group homes have far worse outcomes in the long term than children placed in a family setting. Under the changes outlined in this plan, Michigan will now be able to use federal funds for services that would allow a child who would otherwise go into the foster care system to stay with their parents or a relative.

“Overall, this plan paves the way for better outcomes for our children in the foster care system,” Wozniak said. “We have an obligation to ensure we care for these children and set them up for promising and healthy futures.”

Further, the legislation outlines requirements for child care institutions and workers to better protect children and ensure hold the foster care system more accountable so that problems in the system can be addressed.

Twenty-two other states have adopted legislation to enact changes related to the new provisions in the FFPSA.

The plan received overwhelming support from the House Families, Children and Seniors Committee and now moves to be considered further by the Ways and Means Committee.

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