Bill > S1123

This bill clarifies and expands the legal authority of the child advocate's office to access various records and information related to children in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Specifically, the bill allows the child advocate to obtain data on adult and juvenile arrests, court proceedings, and access to a wide range of electronic information systems and records, including those from juvenile courts, probation services, and criminal justice information services. The bill enables the child advocate to examine systemwide service provision for children, which can include investigating areas such as child abuse prevention, mental health services, juvenile justice interactions, education provision, and service coordination among state agencies. The child advocate is granted unrestricted access to facilities, programs, and records operated or funded by executive agencies, and can inspect and copy records without cost, while being bound by existing legal limitations on information use. The bill also allows the child advocate to file reports on their examinations with various government bodies, including the governor and legislative committees, and to seek advice from child welfare experts. The purpose of these expanded powers is to help the child advocate better understand and improve services and protections for children in the state's care or receiving state services.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1123