Separation, Visitation and Reunification: Michigan Child Welfare Reform and Its Implications for Siblings

Authors

Angela M. Moe, Western Michigan UniversityFollow
Jessica A. Church

Keywords

Foster care, child protective services, siblings, class action, settlement agreement, MSA

Abstract

Removal of children from abusive or neglectful families is an unfortunate but necessary aspect of child protective services, and the separation of siblings can be especially traumatic. This paper examines the Dwayne B. v. Snyder Modified Settlement Agreement (MSA), the result of a class action lawsuit regarding the management of the child welfare foster care system by the Michigan Department of Human Services. The MSA contains several mandates regarding the handling of siblings, though various measures of compliance remain unmet. Through field observations and interviews within the Michigan foster care system, we identify several factors prohibiting effective sibling care.

Recommended Citation

Moe, Angela M. and Church, Jessica A. (2015) "Separation, Visitation and Reunification: Michigan Child Welfare Reform and Its Implications for Siblings," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 42: Iss. 4, Article 8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3940
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol42/iss4/8