CHILD PROTECTION: PRESENCE OF CERTAIN ADULT

House Bill 4038

Sponsor:  Rep. Fulton Sheen

Committee:  Family and Children Services

Complete to 3-21-05

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4038 AS INTRODUCED 1-27-05

Under the Child Welfare Act, the Department of Human Services (formerly the Family Independence Agency) investigates complaints of child abuse and neglect.  The department when in contact with a child in a school must, before contacting that child, review with the designated school staff person the department's responsibilities and the investigation procedure.  House Bill 4038 would also require that the designated school staff person, or another individual with whom the child is familiar, be present during an interview with the child by the department investigator.  The bill would also require that the designated school staff person or other familiar individual "be someone with whom the child feels comfortable."

MCL 722.628 and 628c

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or local units of government.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Robert Schneider

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.