Measure will update definition of ‘neglect’
Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, this week testified before the House Families, Children, and Seniors Committee in support of her legislation to ensure children who are victims of neglect receive the protection they deserve.
Glenn said adding the phrase “threatened harm” to the definition of “neglect” in the Child Abuse and Neglect Act is a simple update that would go a long way for a threatened child.
“This is a simple yet very important bill that addresses an issue the Department of Health and Human Services and Child Protective Services brought to my attention,” Glenn said. “Aligning these definitions will ensure children who are victims of neglect in Midland and Bay counties, and throughout our entire state, receive the protection they need and deserve.”
As written, Michigan’s Child Protection Law has a clear definition of “neglect,” but the Child Abuse and Neglect Act does not, blocking the courts’ ability to protect neglected children.
“Even in cases where children are suffering what all of us would agree is severe neglect,” Glenn said, “this discrepancy in current law could prevent Midland County Probate & Juvenile Court Judge Dorene Allen, for example, from taking steps necessary to protect a child. Michigan children and families deserve better.”
Colin Parks, manager of the Child Protection and Family Preservation Program Office, testified before the committee in support of Rep. Glenn’s measure.
PHOTO INFORMATION: Rep. Annette Glenn, left, testifies before the House Families, Children, and Seniors Committee in Lansing in support of her plan to better protect children who are victims of severe neglect. Joining Glenn in testimony is Colin Parks, manager of the Child Protection and Family Preservation Program Office.
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