Bill > H4485

This bill amends the laws governing the Massachusetts foster care review unit (FCRU). The key provisions are: 1. The FCRU will be established as an independent unit within the Department of Children and Families, led by a director who will appoint staff to conduct case reviews every 6 months for children in foster care and young adults under the department's responsibility. 2. The case reviews will be conducted by a 3-person panel, including a FCRU staff member, a manager/supervisor from the local office, and a trained volunteer citizen reviewer. 3. The purpose of the case reviews is to assess the safety, appropriateness, and progress of each case, including compliance with service plans and progress towards permanency. 4. An advisory board will be created to oversee the FCRU, address systemic issues, and make recommendations for improvement. 5. The Office of the Child Advocate will oversee and monitor the FCRU, including creating training materials, reviewing data, and surveying participants. 6. The bill provides for regulations to govern the conduct of case reviews, including appeal processes. The goal of these changes is to increase oversight, accountability, and transparency in the Massachusetts foster care system.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities (J)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4485