ADOPTED-APRIL 29, 2003

Agenda Item No. 15

Introduced by the Human Services and Finance Committees of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE THE MANDATORY PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF

MICHIGAN'S CHILDREN NEEDING FOSTER CARE DEPENDING ON FIA CASEWORKER RATIO

RESOLUTION #03-116

WHEREAS, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for FIA inserted language in the proposed Fiscal Year 2004 budget that mandates private placement of foster care if FIA's caseworker ratio is greater than 20:1 in a county; and

WHEREAS, this mirrors language in the current year's budget bill except the current year language also contains a provision not included in the new language that this mandate is voided if it is not in the best interest of the child or a private placement is not available; and

WHEREAS, the historical practice throughout the state has been for the FIA to use its discretion to place children in purchased care, with the primary consideration being the best interests of the child; and

WHEREAS, Ingham County, like many counties throughout the State of Michigan, has experienced significant increases in foster care expenditures following the implementation of this policy directive to reduce caseload ratios to 20:1 and other changes in state law; and

WHEREAS, private placement agencies license requirements allow for a 30:1 caseload ratio; and

WHEREAS, greater flexibility to act in the best interests of the child is afforded to local FIA workers by not including this language as proposed by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for FIA.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners urges our legislators to preserve the ability of the FIA to act in the best interests of the child and to oppose the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for FIA proposed language in the Fiscal Year 2004 budget that mandates private placement of foster care if FIA's caseworker ratio is greater than 20:1 in a county.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk shall forward a copy of this resolution to the Governor, the Ingham County Legislative Delegation, the State and County FIA Offices and Michigan Association of Counties.

HUMAN SERVICES: Yeas: Dedden, Weatherwax-Grant, Celentino

Nays: Severino Absent: Hertel, Swope Approved 4/21/03

FINANCE: Yeas: Grebner, Swope, Dedden, Thomas, Minter

Nays: None Absent: Hertel Approved 4/23/03