Bill > S115

This bill establishes a Massachusetts Children's Cabinet within the governor's executive office, composed of high-level state officials from departments related to children's services, including health, education, labor, housing, and social services. The cabinet will be co-chaired by the secretaries of health and human services and education, with a comprehensive mandate to develop integrated, holistic policies and services for children and youth. Key responsibilities include creating a shared strategic vision to improve child outcomes across multiple domains like education, mental health, poverty, and safety; developing measurable outcomes for state departments; recommending program improvements; fostering collaboration between agencies; creating children and youth impact statements for legislation; identifying funding streams; and developing a coordinated budget structure. The bill also mandates an advisory committee appointed by the governor, comprising diverse stakeholders including family resource centers, advocacy organizations, healthcare professionals, educators, and experts, which will provide recommendations and meet jointly with the cabinet. Additionally, the Children's Cabinet is required to submit an annual public report detailing its activities and the status of children in Massachusetts, and will meet at least four times per year with opportunities for public input. The executive office of the governor will provide administrative support for this collaborative effort to comprehensively address children's needs across the state.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S115