Bill > H205

This bill modifies existing Massachusetts law regarding background checks for kinship foster care (care provided by relatives like grandparents) by establishing new screening guidelines for potential grandparent caregivers. Specifically, the bill requires the department to conduct background checks with a 20-year maximum look-back period, which means they will review an individual's criminal record going back two decades. For minor infractions that have not been repeated, those incidents can be disregarded during the screening process. However, the bill explicitly states that any felonies, violent offenses, or sexual offenses will remain part of the background check regardless of when they occurred, ensuring that serious criminal history is always considered in determining a grandparent's suitability as a foster caregiver. This change aims to provide a more nuanced approach to evaluating potential kinship foster care providers while maintaining safeguards to protect children from individuals with significant criminal backgrounds.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H205