Bill > H3882

This bill modifies Massachusetts laws related to reporting child abuse and domestic violence involving military families by establishing new reporting procedures for the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Specifically, when DCF receives a credible report of domestic abuse or child abuse/neglect, the department will be required to collect information about the military status of the spouse, partner, parent, or guardian involved in the report and share this information with appropriate military authorities. The bill mandates that each area director must enter into a memorandum of understanding with the local military family advocacy program (a Department of Defense program addressing child abuse and neglect in military families) to create protocols for reporting. These protocols will cover identifying military personnel potentially involved in abuse, determining appropriate reporting circumstances, initiating reports to military authorities, and ensuring confidentiality under state and federal laws. The goal is to improve coordination between civilian child protection services and military family support systems while protecting the safety and privacy of those involved. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Military Affairs and Security

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3882