Michigan lawmakers passed legislation today that gives children involved in tribal court systems and their guardians access to the same support system as those whose cases are in state courts. Senate Bills 137 and 138 passed the State House today with immediate effect, which means the bills will become law as soon as they are signed by Gov. Whitmer.
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Chairman Austin Lowes thanked the legislature for recognizing the inequalities of the current law and for the legislature’s quick work.
“The passage of this legislation will have an immediate positive impact on native children and families across the state. There are families that have been waiting for these bills to pass so they can have access to the same resources as non-native families in Michigan,” said Chairman Lowes. “On behalf of all Sault Tribe members, I would like to thank the legislature for listening to our stories and for ensuring that all families have access to this important resource.”
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 were not currently eligible for the program, and neither were children who have guardianship orders from other states.
The legislation will go into effect as soon as Gov. Whitmer signs the bills, and she has signaled her support to do so.
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