Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Welcome to my latest e-newsletter! It continues to be a privilege to represent Livonia, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in Lansing. I encourage you to stay up to date on what’s going on in Lansing, and continue to let me know about the issues that matter to you.
If there is anything I can do to help you and your family, please do not hesitate to call my office at (517) 373-3920 or email me at LauriePohutsky@house.mi.gov. You can also catch me on Facebook.
Legislative Update
House Adoption and Foster Care Task Force
In January 2021, the Legislature formed the bipartisan House Adoption and Foster Care Task Force. The Task Force’s mission was to conduct comprehensive research and provide specific actionable recommendations for legislative, administrative and judicial reform to the state’s adoption and foster care system. Its particular focus was on recommendations that help bring an end to the state’s consent decree, remove obstacles and disincentives that prevent families from supporting foster children and increase infant adoptions.
Over six months, the Task Force conducted informal hearings with those in the field, including the Michigan Supreme Court, human services centers, health service centers, guardians ad litem, foster care parents and former foster care youth. In November 2021, the Task Force issued its report identifying 10 problems and recommendations. Those recommendations have been turned into a bill package.
Last week, I had the opportunity to testify before the House Families, Children, and Seniors Committee on my bill in the package, House Bill 5975. This legislation would require lawyer-guardians ad litem to participate in trauma-informed training provided by the State Court Administrative Office. This training is crucial because it is the duty of a guardian ad litem to consider the ability of a child to understand legal proceedings and determine the best interests of that child. Children in the foster care system often face trauma that present particular challenges, and it can be incredibly difficult to advocate for them without proper training and insight.
Session
To see what we’ve been voting on over the last couple weeks, please click here. As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-3920 or lauriepohutsky@house.mi.gov.
Community Update
Hot Meals on Wheels
Livonia’s Hot Meals and Meals-on-Wheels programs return Monday, May 9. Hot meals will be served Mondays and Tuesdays at the Civic Park Senior Center, with a three-pack of frozen meals delivered Thursdays to cover Wednesday-Friday meals each week. Reservations will be required in advance.
Events
Coffee Hours
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I hope you can join me for one of my upcoming in-person and virtual coffee hours! I look forward to having an informal conversation with you about the issues families face in our community. The in-person coffee hour will be held at Coffee + Cream here in Livonia. You can join the livestream for my virtual coffee hours on my Facebook page.
Virtual: Monday, May 16, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Never hesitate to reach out to me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Laurie Pohutsky
State Representative
19th House District