The State Court Administrative Office of the Michigan Supreme Court is seeking volunteers to serve on the County Foster Care Review Boards.
The Michigan Legislature established the Foster Care Review Board Program in 1984 in an effort to improve children’s foster care programs through the state utilizing citizen review boards.
The five member board meets one day each month to review a representative sample of cases of children who have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care due to abuse or neglect.
At these reviews, board members interview parents, foster parents, caseworkers, attorneys, and other interested parties who may be involved in planning for the ward.
Advisory recommendations are formulated and mailed to the court, child welfare agency, prosecuting attorney, parents and other interested parties.
The purpose of the review is to insure that all agencies, including the court, have established a plan for the ward and progress is being made toward achieving permanency.
The Foster Care Review Boards are comprised of citizens who reflect a broad cross section of their communities.
Minorities and men are especially encouraged to apply.
The program is seeking volunteers who have demonstrated leadership in other settings.
Employees of the Family Independence Agency, family court or private child placement agencies are prohibited by law to serve on Foster Care Review Boards.
Each volunteer who is selected must attend a two-day orientation training in Lansing the second or third week of March.
The training is a requirement to serve on a board.
Also, board members attend yearly training sessions held in different locations throughout the state. Expenses for training are reimbursed.
For additional information on becoming a volunteer, email James Novell at novellj@courts.mi.gov.
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