During the recent Mount Pleasant City Commission meeting, Mayor Amy Pershbacher declared November 2024 as Family Court Awareness Month, highlighting the urgent need for reform in family court practices to better protect children from domestic violence. This proclamation comes in response to alarming statistics indicating that 39 children in Michigan have been killed during custody disputes since 2008, with many cases involving prior reports of abuse that were overlooked by the courts.

Brandy Morey Pohls, a member of Protective Parents of Michigan, addressed the commission, emphasizing the critical link between child safety and informed judicial decisions. She noted that one in three families in Michigan is affected by domestic violence, and improper training in family courts can exacerbate these issues, leading to increased demands on local support services.

The meeting underscored the need for specialized training for judges and court professionals on recognizing and responding to domestic violence and child abuse. Morey Pohls advocated for the proposed Cadence Law, which aims to prioritize child protection over parental rights in custody decisions, ensuring that a history of abuse is considered before granting unsupervised visitation.

In addition to the family court discussions, the commission also proclaimed November 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative aims to honor the resilience of children battling cancer and encourages community involvement in raising awareness and supporting affected families. The city plans to engage residents in a collaborative effort to break a Guinness World Record by collecting camping tents, symbolizing their commitment to the cause.

The outcomes of this meeting reflect a growing recognition of the need for systemic changes in how family courts handle cases involving domestic violence and child safety, as well as a commitment to supporting children facing serious health challenges. The city of Mount Pleasant is taking steps to ensure that the well-being of its youngest residents remains a top priority.