Bill > H1679

This bill aims to improve legal and administrative proceedings for court-involved children and families in Massachusetts. The key provisions are: 1. Expanding the court's authority to determine a child's living arrangements, visitation rights, and other aspects of custody, even if the child, parent, or guardian objects, if the court determines it to be in the child's best interests. 2. Allowing the court to appoint a neutral investigator to investigate the child's welfare and submit a report, which would be admissible as evidence. 3. Granting the Department of Children and Families the right to seek and accept an order from the Probate Court to take responsibility for a child, including the right to determine the child's living arrangements, medical care, and education. 4. Allowing the court to review and revise temporary custody orders and grant custody to a parent, guardian, or suitable third party, even without a finding of parental unfitness. 5. Permitting a child whose parental rights have been terminated to file a motion to vacate the termination order, under certain conditions, if the court determines it is in the child's best interests. Overall, the bill aims to provide the courts with more flexibility and authority to make decisions that prioritize the welfare and best interests of children involved in the legal system.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1679