Holland Reporter

On Tuesday, the House Oversight Subcommittee on Child Welfare listened to testimonies from several mothers whose children were harmed due to failures by Children’s Protective Services (CPS). Among those who testified was Brandi Morey-Pols, the mother of 6-year-old Rowan Morey, who was murdered by his father after her concerns were ignored by CPS. State Representative Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville), who led the committee meeting, emphasized the need for greater accountability within CPS following repeated tragedies like Rowan's.

“We have a broken system in CPS, and I’m disgusted by the cover-up the department’s leaders try to spin when we demand answers,” Meerman stated. “We received absolutely gut-wrenching testimony in committee, and I commend and applaud the bravery and strength of the women who joined us.”

The committee also heard from Molly Dixon, a resident of Meerman’s district. Dixon struggled to secure residential treatment for her adopted son’s severe behavioral challenges due to limited placement opportunities in Michigan. She explained that she had to send her son out of state for treatment after being advised by state officials to terminate her parental rights when additional help was denied.

“Last month, this body received testimony from CPS Director Demetrius Starling along with auditors from the Office of the Auditor General,” Meerman said. “We rely on nonpartisan auditors to verify the performance of our department, and we had, in my committee room, the CPS Director admonishing the integrity of this important work. It was a weak display and weak effort to dodge accountability."

Meerman further criticized CPS leadership: "One of the central issues auditors uncovered was that background checks were not being completed as required," which he claimed was denied by Starling but reaffirmed during committee hearings by a foster care advocate.

“They told us that CPS was making tremendous progress – that’s clearly false," Meerman continued. "There are recurring incidents of failed background checks and reports of abuse and neglect falling by the wayside. The whole system is a sham, and I’m unconvinced the department’s leadership is capable of achieving the reforms needed.”