Bill > S2954

This bill establishes a Foster Parents' Bill of Rights in Massachusetts. The key provisions include: - Requiring the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to create a Foster Parents' Bill of Rights that outlines the rights and responsibilities of foster parents, including being treated with dignity and respect, receiving information about foster children prior to placement, having access to social workers and a 24-hour emergency hotline, and being able to participate in meetings and court hearings regarding the foster child. - Mandating that DCF provide foster parents with information on payments, financial supports, and services available to them, as well as training on topics like child development and the "reasonable and prudent parent standard" used to make decisions about a foster child's daily activities. - Giving foster parents the right to decline a placement or request removal of a foster child, and the opportunity to provide notes to assist future foster parents. - Prohibiting DCF from retaliating against foster parents for asserting their rights under the bill. The bill requires DCF to establish the Foster Parents' Bill of Rights and provide it to all current and prospective foster parents within 6 months of the law taking effect.

Senate Committee on Ways and Means (S)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2954