The Road Goes on Forever and the Party Never Ends': A Response to Judge Tacoma's Prescription for a Return to Foster Care 'Limbo' and 'Drift'

Authors

Frank E. Vandervort, University of Michigan Law SchoolFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2007

Abstract

This article responds to Judge Tacoma’s suggested changes in Michigan law. It begins with a very brief history of child welfare legislation at the federal and state levels. Next, it points out a number of errors in Judge Tacoma’s understanding of the current state of Michigan’s child welfare law.2 It is necessary to point out these errors because it seems that his misstatements of the law form the foundation for his recommended reforms. Then it will respond point-by-point to many of Judge Tacoma’s recommendations. Finally, I will off er several suggestions for addressing the problem of legal orphans that do not require legislative or policy changes, but would require that we make significant changes in the way child welfare law is practiced in this state.

Recommended Citation

Vandervort, Frank E. "'The Road Goes on Forever and the Party Never Ends' A Response to Judge Tacoma's Prescription for a Return to Foster Care 'Limbo' and 'Drift'." Mich. Child Welfare L. J. 10, no. 3 (2007): 43-58.