Governor creates new council

LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder Tuesday issued Executive Order 2013-5, establishing the Michigan State Council for Interstate Juvenile Supervision. The council ensures the safe return of both runaway children and juveniles on probation and parole who have fled the state.

“This council will play an important role in protecting our youth and our communities,” Snyder said.

The five-member council will be housed in the Department of Human Services. It brings Michigan into compliance with the Interstate Compact for Juveniles, which has been adopted by every state except Georgia. Recent changes to the compact update the tools for supervising children across state borders.

The fifth member will be appointed by the Legislature.

John Hohman Jr., of Monroe, will represent the judiciary for a one-year term expiring Feb. 12, 2014. With more than 16 years of experience in child protective proceedings, he currently is the probate judge and family division judge for Monroe County. Hohman earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a degree from Wayne State University Law School.

Carla Blinkhorn, of Grand Haven, will represent victims for a one-year term expiring Feb. 12, 2014. She is the CEO of the YWCA West Central Michigan, where she has worked since 1984. She graduated with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Western Michigan University.

Ted Forrest, of East Lansing, will represent the compact administrator for a three-year term expiring Feb. 12, 2016. He has managed Michigan’s involvement in the Interstate Compact for Juveniles for more than four years, and previously served as the program manager for the Department of Human Services’ Children’s Protective Services. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University.

Cheri Arwood, executive administrator of the governor’s legal division, will represent the executive branch for a three-year term expiring Feb. 12, 2016.

The full text of EO 2013-5 is available at www.michigan.gov/snyder.