Bill > S112

This bill establishes a new chapter in Massachusetts law to create and regulate Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs), which are specialized facilities designed to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed support for child victims of abuse. The bill defines a Children's Advocacy Center as a child-focused program where professionals from various disciplines (including law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, and victim advocacy) collaborate to respond to allegations of child sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, and child exploitation. The legislation creates the Massachusetts Children's Alliance, a statewide organization responsible for supporting, funding, and accrediting these centers. The bill outlines specific standards that CACs must meet, including having multidisciplinary teams, providing culturally sensitive services, conducting neutral forensic interviews, offering victim support and advocacy, ensuring access to medical and mental health services, and maintaining a child-friendly environment. The primary goals are to streamline the investigative process, minimize trauma to child victims, improve information sharing among agencies, and ensure that children receive comprehensive, coordinated care and support through a collaborative, child-centered approach.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S112