Bill > S107

This bill establishes a comprehensive Bill of Rights for children in foster care under the Department of Children and Families (DCF), detailing seven key areas of rights: safety and security, connections to family and identity, health care, education and social connections, resources and supports, transition to adulthood, and remedies for rights violations. The bill requires DCF to provide children with a clear, translated document explaining their rights, which include being treated with dignity, protected from discrimination, placed in safe and nurturing environments that respect their cultural and gender identity, maintaining connections with family and siblings, accessing appropriate healthcare and educational services, participating in case planning, receiving support for transitioning to adulthood, and having the ability to file complaints or seek enforcement of these rights. Importantly, the bill mandates that children aged 14 and older have increased participation in their case planning, can access their case files upon turning 18, and have the right to continue receiving support from DCF until age 23 through a Voluntary Placement Agreement. The bill also emphasizes that these rights are not exhaustive and cannot be used to limit children's existing rights, with an annual reporting requirement for tracking complaints and violations.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S107