LANSING – In an effort to prevent physical abuse of vulnerable residents, State Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) today introduced a plan that will allow the use of electronic surveillance equipment to monitor adult foster care homes. The plan also will make the recordings admissible in civil and criminal court.
"It's a sad reality that we can't always trust those who we rely on to care for some of our most vulnerable residents," Tlaib said. "This plan will give family members or guardians an added layer of reassurance that their loved ones are receiving the proper care they need. This plan will give a voice to those who may not be able to speak for themselves, and in the end, prevent countless victims of an unspeakable crime."
Tlaib's plan will amend the Adult Foster Care Licensing Act to allow a resident or their legal representative to request the use of an electronic monitoring device, such as a video camera, to monitor the resident if:
- The monitoring is conducted at the request of the resident or their legal guardian.
- The cost of the monitoring is paid for by the resident or their legal guardian.
- The surveillance protects the rights of other residents and visitors of the adult foster care facility.
- The facility makes reasonable accommodations for the monitoring device.
- The facility does not remove or refuse to admit a resident because of a surveillance request.
Tlaib introduced the plan in response to a 2006 incident in which Detroit-area resident Marty Mauricio suffered injuries while under the care of an adult foster care facility. While two employees claim Mauricio had fallen and choked on food, his injuries, which included a broken neck, were inconsistent with the employees' story. One of the employees confessed to abusing Mauricio before recanting his confession, which resulted in a mistrial. As a result of his injuries, Mauricio suffered for three months before passing away.
"If this plan had been in place, this heartbreaking case could have been avoided," Tlaib said. "Physical abuse of adults in foster care is an unconscionable crime that needs to be prevented. I look forward to working with my colleagues to improve protections for our residents by passing this plan."