Task force recommends new legal office to support Michigan families in court

LANSING, Michigan — Members of the Child Protection Legal Representation Working Group released a report on Tuesday that addresses disparities in child protection procedures.

The report recommends lawmakers establish a statewide office of parent-child legal representation.

It also recommends establishing attorney compensation, training standards and caseload limits, access to expert witnesses, and appointing parents’ attorneys and legal representatives to advocate for the child during the proceeding.

“To be effective, we have to rely on the information that is given to us, I don’t have a crystal ball, I have to make my decisions based on the facts and information that is brought to me,” the county said of Calhoun. Said 37th District Court Judge Tina Yost-Johnson. “If we don’t have quality legal representation, these facts don’t come to me. Knowing that I’m making the right decision is key to knowing that families have their day right in court.”

Officials hope to take the report to the Michigan House and Senate.