A Michigan state senator is renewing calls for greater oversight of Child Protective Services following the death of a 5-year-old Detroit boy in 2023, a case that has continued to raise serious questions about how child welfare investigations are handled.

Sen. Jim Runestad (R-White Lake) held a press conference this week criticizing CPS operations and pushing for legislative changes that would increase transparency around the agency’s decision-making. Runestad described CPS as operating with “minimal oversight” and argued that serious cases of abuse and neglect too often go unchallenged.

Read: CPS in Michigan—Parents’ Rights & Investigation Process

The Case Behind the Proposal

The senator’s comments stem from the death of Ethan Belcher, who was taken to a hospital in January 2023 and later died. Authorities alleged that Ethan and his younger sibling were subjected to abuse inside the home.

Ethan’s mother, Valerie Hamilton, and stepfather, Shane Shelton, were charged with felony murder, first-degree child abuse, torture, and conspiracy. Court records show both were convicted in late 2024 and sentenced to life in prison.

Family members have stated that CPS had investigated concerns prior to Ethan’s death, but the children remained in the home. Ethan’s aunt described the situation as deeply frustrating, saying the child “slipped through the cracks.”

Senate Bill 605 and CPS File Access

Runestad is urging passage of Senate Bill 605, introduced in October 2025. The bill would amend Michigan’s Child Protection Law and allow legislators and credentialed media members to request CPS files in certain cases.

Supporters argue the change is necessary to prevent agency failures from being hidden behind confidentiality rules. Runestad characterized the current system as limiting public accountability and preventing meaningful oversight.

At this time, the bill has not advanced in the legislature.

Broader Questions About Oversight and Confidentiality

Cases like Ethan Belcher’s often bring attention to the tension at the center of child welfare systems:

  • CPS agencies are tasked with protecting children from harm
  • Investigations are typically confidential by design
  • Failures can be difficult to evaluate publicly without access to records
  • Families are left asking what was missed and why intervention did not occur sooner

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees CPS, has not yet responded publicly to the senator’s press conference, according to CBS Detroit.

Looking Ahead

The debate over Senate Bill 605 is likely to continue, especially as lawmakers weigh transparency against privacy protections in child abuse investigations. Democratic lawmakers representing the area have been contacted for comment but have not yet responded.

For families navigating CPS involvement, stories like this underscore how high the stakes are, and how critical it is to understand the system’s processes and limitations.

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