Children: guardians; eligibility for guardianship assistance payments; modify. Amends secs. 2 & 4 of 2008 PA 260 (MCL 722.872 & 722.874).

This bill modifies Michigan's Guardianship Assistance Act to clarify definitions and update the eligibility requirements for financial support provided to guardians of foster children. It directly affects prospective guardians, including relatives and licensed foster parents, who wish to adopt or permanently care for children currently in the foster system. The key provision requires that a child must have lived with a prospective guardian for at least six months before they can apply for assistance, while also mandating background checks and fingerprinting for the guardian and all adults in their home. Additionally, the bill redefines who qualifies as a "relative" to include individuals with strong emotional ties to the child, provided they meet specific criteria set by the state or the child's tribe.