New legislation has been introduced in the state House to make changes to Michigan’s adoption and foster care system. Representative Rodney Wakeman is the sponsor of a bill to allow children to more easily be fostered by adults they know and trust. He spoke with Michigan News Network.
“I put myself in the position of these kids,” Wakeman said. “Who would I most want to have looking over me? And that is somebody I already know and trust. Maybe somebody already in the family, another family member or trusted family member, a trusted friend.”
Wakeman says studies have shown the benefits of these kinship placements for children, and the system should work harder to find these connections. Wakeman is the chair of the House Families, Children and Seniors Committee, and plans to schedule a first round of testimony on the legislation in the coming weeks.
