In re COH

This case requires us to consider the interplay between MCL 722.954a and MCL 712A.19c. Specifically, we must determine whether the preference for placement with relatives created by MCL 722.954a is relevant to a court’s consideration of a petition to appoint a guardian under MCL 712A.19c(2).

Because we conclude that the two statutes apply at different and distinct stages of child protective proceedings, we hold that there is no preference for placement with relatives as part of a guardianship determination under MCL 712A.19c(2). Accordingly, because the Court of Appeals in this case applied a…