LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jim Runestad will host a Child Protective Services and Foster Care Reform Rally demanding reform and accountability for the abuse and deaths of children under state care and urging reform to prevent future tragedies.
Who: Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake.
Rep. Luke Meerman, R-Coopersville.
Rep. Gina Johnsen, R-Portland.
Saba Gebrai, program director at the Park West Foundation.
Ashley Belcher, aunt of Ethan Belcher.
Rebecca Yager, former foster child and activist.
Joe Savalle, founder and executive director at Love for a Child.
Maggie Dunn, co-founder of House of Providence.
Cheryl Verbeke, Auburn Hills City Council, foster parent.
Linda Little, president and CEO of Neighborhood Service Organization.
Alicia Homrich, former CPS worker.
Other activists and experts.
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30.
Where: East steps and lawn of the Michigan State Capitol, 100 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing.
Brief: In 2023, Ethan Belcher died as a result of extreme abuse inflicted by his mother and stepfather. Child Protective Services was aware of the extensive abuse and repulsive living conditions in the home, and received repeated pleas from family members begging the agency to intervene, yet CPS took no action to ensure Ethan’s safety. Their inaction ultimately cost him his life.
Ethan’s story is not an isolated incident; it reflects a systemic pattern of failure within CPS that continues to put children at risk. This rally will demand accountability and transparency from CPS and foster care, underscore the urgent need to pass Senate Bill 605 and highlight other reforms that are critical to improving our child welfare systems.
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