In Michigan, the Family Independence Agency is responsible for
investigating reports of suspected child abuse and neglect.
Michigan's Child Protection Law defines child abuse and neglect as harm or
threatened harm to a child's health or welfare by a parent, legal guardian or
any other person responsible for the child's health or welfare.
In 88
county and district offices, children's protective services workers investigate
reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. The office in the child's county
of residence investigates the report.
A preponderance of evidence is
necessary to substantiate that abuse or neglect occurred. If abuse or neglect
occurred, the agency will respond based on assessments of safety, risk and need
within the family. Michigan uses a structured decision making system to assess
child safety, risk of recurrence and family needs and strengths. The ideal is to
focus services toward improving family functioning so children can remain safely
at home. However, if a child is unsafe (and for specific reasons specified in
law), FIA will petition the family court
to intervene; the court may
order the child to be removed from home and placed in foster care.