Bill > H269

This bill amends Massachusetts law to establish clearer guidelines for parent-child visitation when a child is placed in temporary custody by a court, whether with the state department, a licensed child care agency, or an individual guardian. The bill mandates that courts must order regular and frequent visitation between parents and children unless such visitation would directly harm the child's health or safety. The legislation creates a rebuttable presumption that visitation should be unsupervised and requires that visitation occur at least once per week for a minimum of two hours, unless the court determines such visitation would be dangerous. Courts must specify the frequency, duration, and terms of visitation, taking into account the child's age and developmental needs. The bill also allows courts to issue orders for additional communication methods between parent and child, such as phone calls, video calls, emails, text messages, or mail. Importantly, the court cannot suspend parent-child visitation for more than four weeks or terminate visitation entirely without clear and convincing evidence that such visitation would harm the child's safety or well-being. This legislation aims to preserve and support parent-child relationships during temporary custody arrangements while maintaining safeguards for the child's protection.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H269