Bill > H4974

This bill makes several key changes to child welfare protections in Massachusetts: 1. It establishes an independent Office of the Child Advocate with expanded powers to investigate critical incidents, oversee the Department of Children and Families (DCF) data reporting, and create a website and training program for mandated reporters. 2. It requires DCF to appoint an education director and education specialists in each area office to support educational stability and success for children in DCF care. 3. It enhances data reporting and transparency requirements for DCF, including annual and quarterly reporting on key metrics, a 5-year performance plan, and special reports on services for young adults and fair hearings. 4. It creates a State Child Fatality Review Team and local teams to review child fatalities and near fatalities in order to develop recommendations to prevent such incidents. 5. It establishes a "Foster Parents' Bill of Rights" outlining protections and responsibilities for foster parents. The bill aims to improve child welfare outcomes, data transparency, and support for children, families, and foster parents involved with the child welfare system.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities (J)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4974