Child advocate; powers

The child advocate is authorized to do all of the following: (a) Pursue all necessary action, including, but not limited to, legal action, to protect the rights and welfare of a child under the jurisdiction, control, or supervision of the department, the Michigan children's institute, the family division of circuit court under section 2(a)(1) of chapter XIIA of the probate code of 1939, 1939 PA 288, MCL 712A.2, a child caring institution, a child placing agency, or a residential facility or a child who is the victim in a child protective services maltreatment in care investigation. A court's placement decision is not subject to the child advocate's authority. (b) Pursue legislative advocacy in the best interests of children. (c) Review policies and procedures relating to the department's or a residential facility's involvement with children and make recommendations for improvement. (d) Subject to an appropriation of funds, commence and conduct investigations into alleged violations of the foster parent's bill of rights law. (e) Mediate issues and educate the public regarding complaints dealing with certain county and private agencies serving children, maltreatment in care investigations, and investigations of lack of or insufficient services regarding a residential facility.