Right now in Michigan, there is no law that allows a safe, loving parent to regain their parental rights after termination — even if both the parent and the child want to be together again.

 

This means children remain unnecessarily separated from biological parents who have turned their lives around, even when the original issues have long been resolved. Families are left broken, while kids grow up in foster care or with strangers, denied the chance to reunify with the parent they love.

 

✨ But it doesn’t have to be this way.

 

More than 20 other states — including Virginia, Maine, and New York — have reinstatement of parental rights laws. These laws work. They allow:

 

✅ Petitions once a child is 14 or older (or for younger siblings of such a child).

✅ A waiting period (typically 2–3 years since termination).

✅ Proof that the parent is rehabilitated and safe.

✅ A reunification process with court oversight and trial home placement if needed.

 

These laws empower older youth with the choice to reunify when it’s in their best interest. They recognize redemption, healing, and the importance of family preservation.

 

📜 Michigan had a chance in 2022, when House Bill 6347 nearly passed — but it stalled. It’s time to bring it back stronger.

 

 
The Issue
 

To the Michigan Legislature and Governor:

We, the undersigned, urge the State of Michigan to pass legislation allowing the restoration of parental rights when it is in the best interest of the child and both the child and parent consent.

 

A Michigan reinstatement law would:

 

Give older children the legal right to choose reunification with a safe, loving biological parent.
Recognize and honor positive changes in parental circumstances.
Reduce long-term foster care placements and unnecessary adoptions.
Uphold the principle that family preservation should be the priority whenever safely possible.
 

 

No child or parent should be denied the chance to restore their family when it is safe, wanted, and in the child’s best interest.

 

 
 👉 We are calling on:

 

Governor of Michigan
Michigan Legislature – House Families, Children, and Seniors Committee
Rep. Luke Meerman (original bill sponsor of HB 6347)
U.S. Congress – Committees on Judiciary & Families
 

 

 📜 Sign here to demand that Michigan pass a Reinstatement of Parental Rights Law:

➡️ https://chng.it/f6M5dC5rvW

 

❤️ Every signature matters. Every share matters. Together, we can give Michigan families the second chance they deserve.

 

Please sign, share, and stand with Michigan families today.