Barry County Probate Court v. Michigan Department of Social Services

Defendant, Michigan Department of Social Services, appeals a trial court’s grant of declaratory relief in favor of plaintiffs Barry County Probate Court and the Michigan Probate and Juvenile Court Judges Association.

Defendant has the authority to license or otherwise evaluate child care organizations under MCL 722.111 et seq.; MSA 25.358(11) et seq. Pursuant to this authority, defendant enacted rules governing the evaluation and licensing of child care organizations. In 1980, the rules were amended broadening the definition of "child placing agency” to include plaintiff Barry County Probate…