Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on March 20, 2007, to establish a foster care independence program to offer education, training, employment, and financial support for young adults leaving foster care. The bill specifies certain educational support the program would be required to provide, and authorizes stipends for those between the ages of 18 and 21 to cover costs related to acquiring a residence, such as security deposits. Much of the bill reflects codification of existing federal requirements and state policies

The vote was 103 in favor, 0 opposed and 7 not voting

(House Roll Call 122 at House Journal 40)

Click here to view bill details.

Helping to support these members of society and keeping them on a path to be self sufficient and independant should be a goal for all members of society. I would like to see some of the funding coming from area businesses that could supply training and then future employment to these individuals by receiving a tax credit.

All this legislation does is support the already over-bloated state system. Why would the state support people in "foster care" vs any other person NOT in "foster care"? This will perpetuate the system as it is and dig the hole even deeper. I suppose there will need to be an entire new state office full of new state employees to "run" it. Please, put this to the public tax-payer in a form of a vote. That's our money you're spending isn't it?

Will the definition of "dedicated adults" include those parents and family members who have fought to get the children back and have been denied years of contact? There should be consideration of the possibility for re-establishing contact with the birth family. A family orientated policy base may prove to support the transition of all children to become self-sufficient, productive citizens...not just adults. I am quite sure there exists a multitude of voting "dedicated adults" who are willing and able to mentor our legislatures in making the transition to adopt "adult" policies that promote accountability for all of us to become productive citizens, or rather relevant taxpayers. For those who must remain under the auspices of the state, this is a proactive stance to aid those who have been abused and neglected by the state. If proper nurturing and care was being provided, there would not be a desperate need for additional assistance of adult transition. This is a simple demonstration that the current system is dysfunctional. For those who are not privileged to the meaning behind this reactive legislation, enlightenment shall be achieved in June of this year, if settlement has not been made. When will there be state supportive legislation for the "dedicated adults" who have lost these children aging out of foster care? This is a start but the crux of this issue begins in the lack of promotion for family stability and reunification. Is it possible someone can begin with proper oversight and accountability of the child placing agencies to give families a voice? Let's invest in the creation of "dedicated adults" who brought these children into the world. Let's initiate legislation that keeps a database of grievances filed by all involved to come into compliance with international policies. As for the children aging-out, they deserve more than so much more, but this is a start. Beverly Tran