Petition Summary:

We, the undersigned, urge the Michigan State Legislature, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to introduce and pass legislation allowing parents to petition for the reinstatement of their parental rights after termination, in cases where it is in the best interest of the child. Many parents lose their rights due to circumstances beyond their control - such as lack of access to necessary services, past struggles they have since overcome, or system failures that unfairly impacted their case. Parents who have demonstrated lasting rehabilitation and stability deserve a legal pathway to reunite with their children when it is safe and beneficial to do so.

Why This Matters:

Michigan currently does not allow for the reinstatement of parental rights under any circumstances. Once rights are terminated, there is no legal avenue for a parent - no matter how much they have changed - to regain custody of their child. This leaves many families permanently separated, even when reunification would be in the child's best interest.

Many terminations occur not because of abuse or intentional neglect, but because parents lacked access to resources, struggled with addiction or mental health issues, or faced barriers such as the COVID-19 shutdowns that prevented them from meeting court requirements. In some cases, parents willingly surrendered their rights under immense pressure, believing that they had no other option. Yet, years later, many of these parents have turned their lives around, achieved stability, and are more than capable of providing a loving home.

Other states - including California, North Carolina, and Washington - have recognized the need for second chances by passing laws that allow for the reinstatement of parental rights under specific conditions. Michigan must follow their lead to ensure that children are not permanently separated from parents who have worked hard to improve their lives. 

Our Proposal:

We propose legislation that would allow parents to petition the court for reinstatement of their parental rights if they meet the following criteria: 

• Significant Rehabilitation: The parent must demonstrate lasting stability, sobriety (if applicable), and the ability to provide a safe and supportive home.
• Child's Best Interests: The court must determine that reinstatement is in the best interest of the child, taking into account factors such as the child's age, current living situation, and emotional well-being. 
• Professional Evaluation: Input from child welfare professionals, therapists, and the child (if age-appropriate) should be considered in the decision-making process.
• Time Frame: A waiting period after termination should be required to ensure long-term change before reinstatement is considered.
• Limited to Certain Cases: This law should apply only to cases where termination was due to circumstances that have since been resolved, and not in cases involving severe abuse or ongoing risk to the child. This law would not apply to children who have since been adopted.

Call to Act ion: Urging Michigan Lawmakers to Act:

We call upon the Michigan State Legislature, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and MDHHS to take immediate action by introducing and passing legislation that allows for the reinstatement of parental rights under specific circumstances. Other states have already recognized the importance of second chances - Michigan must not fall behind in protecting the best interests of children and families.

By signing this petition, you are urging Michigan lawakers to create a legal path for parents who have rehabiltated to reunite with their children. We also encourage signers to contact their local State Representatives and Senators to demand change.

Why You Should Sign:

Every family deserves hope. Every child deserves the opportunity to reconnect with loving parents who have worked hard to rebuild their lives. By signing this petition, you are supporting:

• A fair, case-by-case review process for reinstatement.
• The belief that people can change and should not be permanently punished for past struggles.
• The rights of children to have meaningful connections with their biological parents when it is safe and beneficial.

Michigan must stop unjustly keeping families apart and give parents who have overcome hardship a chance to be reunited with their children. Sign this petition today and help us fight for a law that restores families and offers hope for the future.