Mich. Admin. Ord. Administrative Order No. 1997-7
On order of the Court, the following order is effective immediately.
As part of its adjudication of domestic relations and juvenile cases, the judicial branch of government plays an integral role in the delivery of programs affecting Michigan's families, including those involving child support. Recognizing the importance of the judiciary's role in family matters, this Court has previously directed the issuance of requirements and guidelines for the implementation and operation of the family division of the circuit court.
The Court recognizes the importance of meeting its unique responsibilities toward Michigan's families in the most effective manner. Therefore, the Judiciary seeks to complement its independent adjudicative authority with the ability to provide seamless and cost effective service to the public through greater direct coordination with the executive branch of government concerning programs affecting families. To that end, we now direct, in partnership with the executive branch of government, that an interbranch council be formed to provide coordination regarding Michigan's child support program.
It is therefore ordered, concurrent with the Executive Order issued today by Governor John Engler, that the Child Support Coordinating Council is established.
The Council is advisory in nature and is charged with the following responsibilities:
1. To establish statewide program goals and objectives for the child support program.
2. To review and recommend child support program policy.
3. To share information on program issues.
4. To analyze and recommend state positions on pending and proposed changes in court rules and federal and state legislation.
The Council shall consist of ten (10) members, five (5) appointed by the Governor, one of whom shall be the Director of the Office of Child Support in the Family Independence Agency, and five (5) appointed by the Chief Justice, one of whom shall be the State Court Administrator. The Director of the Child Support Enforcement System shall be an ex-officio member.
The term of appointment is two years, except that of those first appointed, two appointees of the Governor and three appointees of the Chief Justice shall be appointed to a term of one year. Reappointment is at the discretion of the respective appointing authorities.
Chairmanship of the Council shall rotate in alternate calendar years. The Director of the Office of Child Support shall serve as chairperson in even-numbered years and the State Court Administrator shall serve as chairperson in odd-numbered years. When not serving as Chair of the Council, the Director or Administrator shall serve as Vice-Chair of the Council.
The Council shall meet quarterly or more frequently as the Council deems necessary. The Chair shall organize the time and location of meetings and facilitate the conduct of the meetings. The Chair will develop an agenda for each meeting to which the Vice-Chair may contribute.
By-laws for the operation of the Council shall be developed and approved by the membership.
Policy changes due to federal or state law changes will be brought to the Council by either the Office of Child Support or by the State Court Administrative Office or submitted to the Chair or Vice-Chair from other sources. The Council shall develop a format for presentation and discussion of issues which shall include an opportunity for issues to be raised through information sharing during regular meetings or to be placed on the agenda through the Chair or the Vice-Chair.
In developing recommendations or in drafting proposed legislation or rules, the members may seek comment where appropriate 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 Chief Justice.
Mich. Admin. Ord. Administrative Order No. 1997-7