Opinion
April 11, 2002.
On order of the Court, the following order is effective immediately.
Recognizing the integral role played by the judicial branch in the operation of programs affecting Michigan's families, this Court joined the Governor in 1997 in establishing the Child Support Coordinating Council to set statewide goals for the efficient and prompt delivery of adequate child support to the children of Michigan. Administrative Order 1997-7. In continuing cooperation with the Executive Branch, we now reconstitute that committee as the Child Support Leadership Council to resume a coordinated effort to provide Michigan families with optimal child support and related services.
It is therefore ordered, concurrent with the Executive Order issued today by Governor John Engler, that the Child Support Leadership Council is established. The Council is advisory in nature and is charged with the following responsibilities:
1. Establish statewide goals and objectives for the child support program.
2. Review and recommend policy for the child support program.
3. Share information with appropriate groups regarding program issues.
4. Analyze and recommend state positions on pending and proposed changes in court rules and federal and state legislation.
The Council shall consist of nine members. Four shall be appointed by the Governor, four shall be appointed by the Supreme Court, and one shall be appointed by the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan.
The term of appointment is two years, except that two of the Governor's first appointments and three of the Court's first appointments shall serve terms of one year. Reappointment is at the discretion of the respective appointing authority.
Two members shall be appointed each January to serve as co-chairs of the Council, except that the first appointments shall occur coincident with this order. The Governor shall appoint one co-chair and the Court shall appoint the other co-chair.
The Council shall meet quarterly or more frequently as it deems necessary. The co-chairs shall organize the time and location of each meeting, develop an agenda, and facilitate the conduct.
Each year the Council shall submit to the Governor and the Court its recommendations for annual goals and strategies. Within sixty days, the Governor and the Court may approve or amend the recommendations.
By January 31 of each year, the Council shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the Court for the previous year.
By-laws for the operation of the Council shall be developed and approved by the members.
Policy changes warranted by federal or state law shall be presented to the Council by the Office of Child Support (federal or state law) or the State Court Administrative Office (state law or court rule), or shall be submitted to one of the co-chairs by other sources. The Council shall develop a format for presenting and discussing issues, which shall include an opportunity for raising issues during a regular meeting or placing them on the agenda through one of the co-chairs before the meeting.
In developing recommendations, members may seek comment as appropriate, including comment from various child support advocacy organizations, through a process determined by the members.
If the Council cannot reach agreement on an issue requiring its recommendation, the alternative positions shall be documented in writing for decision by the Governor and the Court.
Administrative Order 1997-7 is rescinded, effective immediately.