Bill > S103

This bill establishes comprehensive oversight and protection measures for children in out-of-home care facilities managed by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF). The legislation requires surveillance cameras to be installed in public spaces of foster care facilities when an abuse allegation is investigated, with cameras remaining in place for the duration of the facility's licensing. Social workers will be mandated to wear body-worn cameras during investigations and emergency child removals, though they must obtain consent when entering private homes. Additionally, the bill requires DCF to provide foster children over 10 years old with cell phones and medical alert devices containing critical health information, along with mandatory training on device usage. The bill also mandates annual comprehensive medical evaluations for foster children to help identify potential abuse or maltreatment. DCF will be responsible for financing surveillance equipment and maintaining video recordings, and must include detailed reporting on emergency removals, device usage, and medical interventions in its yearly report. Non-compliance with these provisions could result in a waiver of governmental immunity, and the act is set to take effect in 2024, with necessary policies to be developed before that date.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S103