LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad on Wednesday reintroduced his legislation to allow state legislators to confidentially review and oversee Child Protective Services cases brought to them by constituents.
“This is a necessary check and balance on one of our state’s most important government programs,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “The fact that CPS administrators have no way to be held accountable is a disaster. If a government cannot reliably protect children who need help, then it is by no means capable of serving the public. My bill would provide needed transparency and accountability to the CPS system.”
Senate Bill 605 continues Runestad’s recent push for increased transparency at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and its management of CPS and foster care programs. He said the legislation would enable constituents to bring their CPS case to their state legislator for oversight, allowing lawmakers to review, document and ensure that all proper steps and processes are being followed.
Runestad first introduced his legislation to expand legislative oversight of CPS in 2023, following 5-year-old Ethan Belcher’s tragic death and his parents’ arrest, and the discovery of Monica Cannady and her children frozen to death in a field. Recent reports have again shed light on CPS’ failings, including a horrific case of a 4-year-old girl being serially abused by her caretakers under the nose of the agency, as well as the deaths of 9-year-olds Owen Roserio and Zemar King.
“If a CPS administrator knows their case is subject to external review, they are more likely to follow proper protocols, safety measures and do their job to the best of their ability,” Runestad said. “Michigan’s foster care system is arguably the worst in the nation, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If lawmakers pass sensible policies directed toward accountability, transparency and oversight, Michigan’s most vulnerable children will be protected.”