The bill amends the Child Protection Law of Michigan, specifically section 2, to clarify and update definitions related to child welfare and protection. Key insertions include the definition of "adult foster care location authorized to care for a child," which aligns with terms defined in the adult foster care facility licensing act. The bill also introduces a new definition for "health professional," specifying the qualifications required to be considered as such under the public health code. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "child" to specify that it refers to individuals who are less than 18 years of age, and it expands the definition of "child neglect" to include specific circumstances under which a parent's refusal of a treatment plan does not constitute neglect.

Furthermore, the bill establishes "Serenity's Law" as its title and makes several other adjustments to definitions, such as changing "substantiated" and "unsubstantiated" cases to "confirmed" and "unconfirmed" cases, respectively. It also clarifies the roles of various individuals involved in child welfare, including attorneys and child care providers, and emphasizes the importance of evidence in determining cases of child abuse and neglect. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of the Child Protection Law in Michigan.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 722.622