Bill > H265

This bill establishes a comprehensive network of community-based services and family resource centers (FRCs) to support families and children who are experiencing challenges, with the primary goal of preventing court intervention and helping families stay together. The legislation defines key terms like "child requiring assistance" and "family requiring assistance," and requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a statewide network of services that can help families address issues such as chronic absenteeism, behavioral challenges, and basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare. The bill mandates that before filing a child requiring assistance petition in juvenile court, schools and families must first seek help through a family resource center and exhaust community-based service options. The network will provide case managers to help families navigate services, and will include a multidisciplinary team approach to identifying and addressing family needs. The bill also requires confidentiality of service records, ensures voluntary participation by families, and mandates annual reporting on the services provided, including detailed demographic data. Additionally, the legislation requires the juvenile court website to provide informational resources about child requiring assistance petitions and available community services, with the overarching aim of supporting children and families before they reach a crisis point.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H265