The state is looking for volunteers to serve on local foster care review boards.

During National Volunteer Month, the Foster Care Review Board program, administered by the State Court Administrative Office of the Michigan Supreme Court, encourages Michigan residents to apply for membership on statewide review boards that help connect children in foster care with needed services. Michigan’s foster care system currently has more than 10,000 children.

“I cannot overstate the importance of this program or the dedicated volunteers who make protecting vulnerable children their mission. Their efforts are truly making a difference for Michigan families every day,” said Justice Megan K. Cavanagh, MSC co-liaison on child welfare matters.

Each board includes five citizen volunteers who attend regularly scheduled case review meetings one day every month. Board members read case materials and feedback surveys, and interview interested parties regarding the case. Their recommendations are then reported to the court and child welfare agency.

In addition to facilitating services, these boards also work to ensure that children are placed in safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible and investigate appeals by foster parents who believe that children are being unnecessarily moved from their care. In 2021, the FCRB program handled 333 cases: 250 case reviews and 83 foster parent appeals.

Recruitment for board membership is year-round, but interested individuals are encouraged to submit applications by May 31. Interviews and background checks are required for everyone.

Applicants are welcome from around the state but are urgently needed in these areas: Northern Michigan; Upper Peninsula; Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Isabella, Lapeer, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Osceola, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee and St. Clair counties. Volunteers selected must reside within the region of their local board and are appointed to a three-year term.

Applicants should demonstrate an interest in child welfare and strengthening families. The FCRB program values diversity among board members to ensure various perspectives and life experiences that can positively inform decisions about the most vulnerable children in Michigan.

Cavanagh added, “We do have some board members with the ‘lived experience’ of having been in foster care as children, but it is not a requirement for serving. Most of all, we are looking for people who are passionate about making the system better for everyone who relies on it.”

More information is available at https://www.courts.michigan.gov/administration/court-programs/foster-care-review-board-program/fcrb-volunteers/?r=1.