Bill > H1542

This bill establishes a child guardianship pilot program within the Probate Court in Barnstable County. The Chief Justice of the Probate Court, in consultation with the Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families and the Chair of the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, will create rules and standards for the program, which will handle matters related to guardianship, adoption, caregiver rights, unfit parents, and child welfare or protection. The pilot program will include a "kinship caregiver navigator" to provide information and support to grandparents or other relatives involved in the program, particularly those impacted by substance abuse issues. The Chief Justice will monitor and evaluate the program's cost, impact, and effectiveness, and report annually to the legislature on unmet needs and potential opportunities for expansion.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1542