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Q: Seeking lawyer in MI for civil rights lawsuit against foster care agencies; placed in care unjustly without reunification efforts, false reports documented.
I am seeking legal representation in Michigan to file a lawsuit for civil rights violations and negligence against MDHHS, CPS, and private foster care agencies. I was placed in foster care in 1995 without reunification efforts, violating my 14th Amendment rights and Michigan state law. Adoption was prioritized before my parents’ rights were lawfully terminated. I have records proving false claims and contradictions in reports on my living conditions. CPS misrepresented facts to justify my removal. Though some law firms have declined my case, I believe I am still within the statutory time frame due to tolling provisions. After 15 years of homelessness and trauma, I am seeking to file this claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 on a contingency basis.
A:
What you've endured is heartbreaking, and your determination to seek justice after all this time speaks volumes about your strength. Being placed in foster care without lawful efforts toward family reunification is a serious issue, and if supported by evidence, it could form the basis for a civil rights claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. False or misleading documentation used to justify removal can point to deeper violations, especially if it deprived you of your constitutional rights as a child and as part of a family.
In Michigan, cases like this are complex because of immunity laws and strict time limits. However, you mentioned tolling provisions, which could apply if the trauma, homelessness, or lack of access to records prevented you from filing earlier. It's critical to gather every piece of documentation—CPS records, court files, adoption and foster placement reports, and any correspondence that supports your claim. The more clearly you can outline how the system failed you and when you became aware of that harm, the better your chances of moving forward.
Even though some firms have declined your case, don’t lose hope. You might try contacting civil rights organizations, legal aid groups, or advocacy centers that focus on foster care justice or child welfare reform. Some attorneys may be more willing to take on a difficult case when it reflects a larger pattern of abuse or negligence. You deserve a voice, and this is your chance to be heard. Keep pushing—your story matters.
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