LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan House is pushing a bipartisan plan aimed at keeping more kids with people they actually know when they go into the foster care system.

Lawmakers approved legislation on April 21 from Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville) that would loosen rules under the state’s Guardianship Assistance Act, making it easier for relatives and close family connections to step in and care for children.

Cutting red tape for caregivers.

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Right now, guardians must be both a relative and a licensed foster parent to qualify for financial help – a hurdle critics say keeps willing caregivers on the sidelines. The new plan allows assistance if they meet either requirement.

“Whenever possible, kids should be surrounded by people they know and trust,” Meerman said. “This plan removes unnecessary red tape… without facing overwhelming financial barriers.”

Broadening who counts as ‘family.’

The legislation expands the definition of “relative” to include trusted adults with strong ties to the child, while maintaining safeguards like background checks. A companion bill from Stephanie Young (D-Detroit) that also passed the House helps widen eligibility.

Driven by experience.

Meerman, who has fostered 15 children with his wife, called the effort “a common-sense, bipartisan solution focused on what’s best for kids.”

The plan now heads to the Senate.