Bill > H1562

This bill makes several changes to the laws around the "re-homing" or unauthorized placement of adopted children. Key provisions include: 1) Defining "disruption" (an adoption ending before finalization) and "dissolution" (an adoption ending after finalization) of adoptions. 2) Prohibiting individuals or entities not affiliated with the state's child welfare agency or licensed placement agencies from accepting or offering payment in exchange for placing a child for adoption or other permanent placement. Violations carry significant fines and potential jail time. 3) Requiring placement agencies to provide prospective adoptive parents with full information about a child's history and to make post-adoption services available to prevent disruptions or dissolutions. 4) Creating a task force to identify potential abuse in the "re-homing" of adopted children and recommend a system for mandatory reporting. 5) Establishing a commission to examine the adoption process in Massachusetts and provide recommendations to ensure efficient and safe adoptions. Overall, the bill aims to crack down on unauthorized and unregulated placement of adopted children while also improving pre- and post-adoption support and oversight.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1562