FOSTER CARE PLACEMENT:  RELIGIOUS PRACTICES

                                                                                                           

House Bill 4736

Sponsor:  Rep. Barb Byrum

Committee:  Families and Children's Services

Complete to 6-12-07

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4736 AS INTRODUCED 5-9-07

The bill would amend Section 4a of the Foster Care and Adoption Services Act to require a supervising agency, in making a determination of placement for a child in its care, to give preference to placement in a home that shares the same religion as the child's immediate family before his or her removal, especially if religious laws regarding food have been observed in the home before the child's removal.  However, placement of a child could not be delayed or denied solely to achieve placement in a home of the same religious practices as the child.

MCL 722.954a

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State or on local units of government.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Bob Schneider

■ 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.