Bill > H4787

This bill proposes several key changes to enhance child welfare protections in Massachusetts: It creates new positions and requirements within the Department of Children and Families (DCF), including an education manager to oversee education policies and area-based education coordinators to monitor student progress and support caseworkers. It also requires DCF to issue annual and quarterly reports on various metrics related to child welfare, including safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes, as well as operational data. The bill expands the powers and responsibilities of the Office of the Child Advocate, allowing the Advocate to intervene in certain court proceedings and oversee reviews of DCF's data reporting. It also establishes state and local child fatality review teams to study preventable child fatalities and near fatalities. Additionally, the bill outlines a "Foster Parents' Bill of Rights" that specifies various rights and responsibilities for foster parents interacting with DCF. Finally, it makes several technical changes to related laws, such as repealing certain provisions and amending reporting requirements.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4787