Bill > H158

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Foster Care Review Office (FCRO), an independent state agency that will conduct biannual reviews of all children in foster care placements. The FCRO will have access to relevant information, provide reports to the legislature and public, and make recommendations to improve the foster care system. The bill outlines the FCRO's responsibilities, including designating local panels of trained citizen reviewers, creating policies and procedures, and providing individual case review reports to the courts and parties involved. The bill also establishes a governing board and an interdisciplinary council to oversee and support the FCRO's work. The transition to the new FCRO structure must be completed within 15 months of the bill's effective date.