The House Committee on Families, Children and Seniors heard testimony today on Senate Bills 137 and 138, which would ensure children involved in tribal court systems and their guardians receive access to the same support as those in state courts. Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Chairman Austin Lowes, who is a trained social worker familiar with court guardianship issues, is a strong supporter of the bills.
“There are at least 10 Sault Tribe families and many other Native families from around the state who are unable to access Guardianship Assistance Program benefits simply because their cases involve a tribal rather than a state court,” said Chairman Lowes. “This important legislation will grant Native American children involved in the court system and their guardians access to the same financial assistance and support services as anyone else in Michigan. On behalf of all Sault Tribe members, I am urging the legislature to pass these bills and the governor to sign them so that we can ensure tribal citizens are treated equally under the law.”
The Guardianship Assistance Program provides financial support for families who provide permanent guardianship for children when adoption or family re-unification are not appropriate options. The amount of assistance is pegged to foster care rates. Guardianship, as a permanent option that often takes place within the child’s extended family, usually provides a more secure placement that keeps children better connected to their communities.
Senate Bills 137 and 138 were introduced earlier this year by Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) and Sen. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs). They would make Michigan families eligible for the Guardianship Assistance Program regardless of the court that orders a child’s guardianship. Children with guardianship orders from tribal courts are not currently eligible for the program, and neither are children who have guardianship orders from other states.
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