My life has been irrevocably altered by the Michigan Child Protective Services (CPS). They separated me from my mother, pulling away the foundation of my family, and later tore my daughter from me in a situation I could not control. My story is not unique; it echoes through countless families across Michigan who find themselves caught in a system that often seems more focused on division rather than healing.

Michigan CPS, an organization that publicly claims to promote family reunification, too often paradoxically operates to divide families further. According to the Administration for Children and Families, the trauma children suffer from being removed from their families can have long-lasting detrimental effects. Instead of supporting families to resolve issues together, CPS actions often lead to more harm, especially when they fail to investigate thoroughly and take appropriate measures that genuinely consider the best interest of the child and their family.

Statistics from the Children's Bureau highlight that nearly half of the children in foster care can reunite with their families when sufficiently supported through social services and appropriate interventions. Yet, in Michigan, there appears to be a discrepancy between CPS's stated mission and their actions. Families are frequently left feeling unsupported and misjudged, leading to unnecessary separations that scar both parents and children.

It's time for meaningful reform. I propose the following actionable changes to ensure CPS supports families more effectively:

1. **Rigorous and Comprehensive Investigations**: Implement standardized procedures that require thorough and unbiased investigations. Family preservation should be prioritized when safe and viable.

2. **Increased Training and Resources**: Provide additional training for CPS workers to better assess family dynamics and identify situations where family preservation is feasible. Invest in resources that facilitate family counseling and support.

3. **Community Oversight Committees**: Establish local community oversight boards to review CPS decisions and ensure accountability, transparency, and alignment with family reunification goals.

4. **Better Support for Families**: Allocate funding towards family support services that help families manage crises, such as in-home therapy and parental training programs, reducing unnecessary foster placements.

By implementing these changes, we can shift CPS towards a model that truly aligns with its mission to reunite and support families. No family should have to endure unnecessary separation, and children should grow up in safe, nurturing environments wherever possible.

Please join me in calling for comprehensive reform of the Michigan Child Protective Services. Sign this petition to advocate for families and ensure that CPS adopts practices that genuinely prioritize family unity and child safety.