“Will this change the odds for Michigan’s children?”
It’s the most important question we ask ourselves
when we set our legislative priorities.

Michigan’s children, youth and families don’t have highly paid lobbyists or superPACs looking out for their best interests in Lansing or Washington, DC, but they DO have all of us.

Through PROVEN PLAYS for Strong Families, Ready Learners, Thriving Students, and Successful Transitions, Michigan’s Children works tirelessly toward our core policy principles:
  • Close equity gaps
  • Grow healthy minds
  • Listen to youth and families
  • Make government work
  • Support professionals
  • Build on progress

Playbook for Michigan’s Children
Our 2021-2022 Policy Priorities

Michigan’s Children is committed to improving the odds for all children and families in our state, and focus our work around these major principles – building Strong Families, Ready Learners, Thriving Students and Successful Transitions. We welcome you to explore these policy priorities and recommendations for legislative and administrative action. Return often for updates, calls to action, and new content, so that you can become better informed and engaged in the work of improving public policies in the best interest of children, youth and families.

Read President & CEO Matt Gillard’s Letter for the 2021-2022 Legislation Session.
Read how our Core Policy Principles inform our priorities and work.

playbook

Join us in making children and family policy issues
a priority for state and federal leaders.

Spotlight on Advocacy


Kinship caregivers need the support of the State. Relative Care Day at the Capitol is a chance for lawmakers to learn about the experiences, triumphs and challenges of  kinship families.

Alicia Guevara Warren, Director,
Kinship Care Resource Center,
School of Social Work, MSU


When I moved in with my aunt and uncle at 15, I was pretty much out of control. When I look back, there are so many memories I’m thankful for. It takes others to walk alongside you.

Brooke VanProoyen
Kinship Care Navigator
Raised by her aunt and uncle


When was the last time you sat down with 25 kids and asked them, ‘What’s keeping you from where you want to go?’ Usually, it’s lack of access to what it is they need.

Ted Duckett
Teacher and Coach
Loy Norrix H.S. Kalamazoo