FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 26, 2021 Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Signs Bill Expanding Access to Federal Funding for Foster Youth Placed in Qualified Residential Treatment Programs
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 100 into law. By making a technical change to the Child Care Licensing Act, SB 100 will expand availability of federal funding for qualified residential treatment programs – specialized programs for foster youth who require additional, higher levels of social and emotional support.
“I am proud to sign this legislation that will allow for investment in Michigan’s foster youth, expanding access to additional support through critical treatment programs,” said Governor Whitmer. “As we build back better from the pandemic and work to provide families and communities relief, we have to make sure everyone has the resources they need to succeed.”
Specifically, Senate Bill 100 adds a definition of “foster care” to a section of the Child Care Licensing Act, 1973 PA 115, concerning children in foster care who are placed in qualified residential treatment programs.
The new definition will allow for the development of court rules required by the federal Family First Prevention Services Act for placement of foster youth within qualified residential treatment programs. Development of appropriate court rules is a prerequisite for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to access certain federal funding related to foster care.
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Bill Expands Access to Federal Funding for Foster Youth
