Legislator’s foster care experience helped drive legislation

The state House today approved Rep. Luke Meerman’s bipartisan legislation to help more children find stability with trusted adults outside the traditional foster care system.

The plan would update Michigan’s Guardianship Assistance Act to make it easier for relatives and other close family connections to qualify for financial support when stepping in to care for a child.

“Whenever possible, kids should be surrounded by people they know and trust,” said Meerman (R-Coopersville). “This plan removes unnecessary red tape so grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close family friends can care for the child without facing overwhelming financial barriers. There are a lot of great foster parents out there, but when a child has a stable, constant adult already in their lives who can care for them, the goal should be to make that happen. This plan makes that possible for more kids.”

Meerman speaks from experience. He and his wife, Victoria, have fostered 15 children in their home.

Under current law, guardians must be both a relative and a licensed foster parent to qualify for assistance, creating a significant barrier for many willing caregivers.

Meerman’s bill opens up the definition of “relative” to include a broader range of individuals with strong familial or emotional ties to the child, while also ensuring appropriate oversight such as background checks. The companion bill, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit), expands eligibility so guardians may receive assistance if they are either a relative or a licensed foster parent, rather than requiring both.

Meerman said the changes are intended to encourage more family-based placements and reduce the number of children entering foster care and emphasized the collaborative effort behind the legislation.

“This is a commonsense, bipartisan solution focused on what’s best for kids,” Meerman said. “I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working together to strengthen support for families and protect vulnerable children.”

The plan received overwhelming bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.