Bill > H88

This bill aims to enhance accountability and transparency in the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Key provisions include: - Requiring DCF to issue annual reports and quarterly data profiles on its performance, including information on case counts, placements, staffing, budgets, medical services, and more. The reports must be filed with the state legislature and made publicly available. - Establishing a state-level child fatality review team and local child fatality review teams to study child fatalities and near-fatalities, and make recommendations to prevent future tragedies. - Requiring DCF to develop a "Foster Parents' Bill of Rights" outlining the rights and responsibilities of foster parents, and prohibiting retaliation against foster parents who file complaints. - Mandating that DCF establish an internal review policy before reunifying a child with their family, and provide timely notifications to attorneys representing children and youth in DCF custody. - Creating new reporting requirements on transition planning for youth aging out of foster care, the department's fair hearing process, and contracted services. - Allowing certain state agencies to more readily share information with DCF to aid in child protection efforts. The overall goal of the bill is to improve accountability, transparency, and outcomes within the child welfare system.

Health and Social Services

House Committee on Ways and Means (H)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H88