Section 722.118b - Regulation of foster family homes or foster family group homes; variance(1) Upon the recommendation of a local foster care review board under section 7a of 1984 PA 422, MCL 722.137a, or of a child placing agency, the department may grant a variance to 1 or more licensing rules or statutes regulating foster family homes or foster family group homes for 1 or more of the following reasons:(a) To allow the child and 1 or more siblings to remain or be placed together.(b) To allow a child with an established meaningful relationship with the family to remain with the family.(c) To allow a family with special training or skills to provide care to a child who has a severe disability.(2) If the department determines that the placement would be in the child's best interests and that the variance from the particular licensing rules or statutes would not jeopardize the health or safety of a child residing in the foster family home or foster family group home, the department may grant the variance.(3) The department's grant of a variance does not change a private home's licensure status.Amended by 2020, Act 7,s 1, eff. 1/27/2020.Amended by 2017, Act 257,s 20, eff. 3/28/2018.Add. 1997, Act 165, Eff. 3/31/1998.