How do i find out what the MI state laws are on the feeding of children?

Question

how do i find out what the laws in michigan are on feeding children. i am a child care provider and was just sitting at lunch chatting with the twins i watch and they told me that when they go to their dads for the weekend they never get fed lunch. how do i find out or if anyone knows where to look or what the laws are then please let me know. they came home sick and said for dinner last nite they had cold stake. i dont know what the laws are on this. please let me know.

Answer 1

You need to inform the mother you can't take matters into your own hands. Also there is no "law" anywhere about feeding a child. There however a very clear definition with the department of child services in every state that says neglect of basic necessities is abuse. So that means neglecting to feed a child is abuse and if you suspect abuse is going on you are obligated to notify the other parent and if the problem persists then you should contact your local child protection agency. Also if the children are feed even cold stake that's not such a big deal (maybe dad can't cook) Not feeding them at all is a problem. Talk over your concerns with mom let her handle it then you are still worried it's a problem move to the next step. Hope things get worked out it's good that your taking action. When I was in foster care reported abuse to a school teacher and she did not do anything to help and told me it was best for her not to get involved because some kids lie, a neighbor witnessed my foster mother hit me reported it and I was out of there in 24 hours. Thank you for at least trying to do something too many turn a deaf ear to children's cry for help.

**Edit**

Since mom is aware of what is going on she still needs to be the one to take action if you take action she could lose the kids too and it sounds like you want to help her. Document in an unbiased way. What you observe with the kids details times dates quote verbatim what they have told you don't drill them let them give you the information freely don't prompt them just ask how their weekend went. If you need to you can have it, all your documentation notarized and the judge will allow it in court if and when a case is filed.

Answer 2

Not feeding the kids is considered neglect.  It would be different if he at least gave them a bowl of cereal.  I'm not sure to where I could direct you in finding your answers, but here is a web site that you might find something.  Good luck.

http://www.childwelfare.com/michigan.htm

Answer 3

Mention it to their mom and after that stay out of it.  That's between their mother and father to handle.  

Answer 4

This is something that the mother needs to handle. she needs to bring this up with the lawyer who is handling their child custody case and have the twins talk about what they are being fed (or not fed).  

Answer 5

Do the children seem malnurished, or, are they hungry?  Just because they don't have "lunch" doesn't mean they're not eating enough.  Perhaps they had a huge breakfast, or a lot of snacks.

Also, I don't think CPS cares the temperature of the food they eat as long as it doesn't burn them.

I seriously doubt there's laws defining exactly what and frequency you feed children as long as they're getting the proper calories and nutrition.

What we ALL should be doing is reporting about these poor kids who are morbidly obese at 6 years old... now THAT'S abusive.

Answer 6

How do you know what they are telling you is accurate???  You could try talking to their parents rather than going behind their backs and getting the state involved.  

Answer 7

did you tell their mom?  Just call CPS, they will investigate, and they know the laws

Answer 8

If you think the children are being abused, you are legally obligated to call CPS.  They can determine if the children are being properly cared for.  I'm pretty sure there are no laws regarding exactly what has to be fed to children.

Answer 9

As a child care provider you are obligated to call CPS if you think that their is any for of abuse or neglect. Also you should be careful as the provider to not get to involved with this matter on a personal level as you can get into trouble and loose your license. You are not the one that can help this lady with the problem CPS is They are trained to investigate these matters and if there is abuse or neglect they will find out and they will help her to win her case against him. Don't delay anylonger on calling CPS.

I am a daycare provider who has been put in the middle of these kind of situations before and almost lost my license for not reporting what I knew. PLease take my advice!!