CHILD PROTECTION LAW:

INVESTIGATION CHECKLIST

Senate Bill 1421

Sponsor:  Sen. Roger Kahn, M.D.

House Committee:  Families and Children's Services

Senate Committee:  Families and Human Services

Complete to 9-22-08

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 1421 AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 9-16-08

The bill would amend the Child Protection Law by adding Section 8e to require the Department of Human Services to implement an investigation checklist to be used in each investigation of suspected abuse and neglect handled by the department across the state.  

An investigation could not be closed until the checklist was completed.  Under the bill, a supervisor would be required to review the completed checklist.  If the supervisor determined that the investigation complied with state law and department policy, the investigation could be closed.

If the supervisor determined that the investigation did not comply with either state law or department policy, he or she would have to determine the reason that state law or policy was not followed. An investigation that fell under this provision could not be closed until after the local office director had reviewed the investigation.

The bill would take effect October 1, 2008.

MCL 722.638e

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill could create a minor administrative cost to the Department of Human Services associated with changing their standard abuse and neglect investigation checklist found in CFP 713-1.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Bob Schneider

                                                                                                                           Kevin Koorstra

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.