Bill > H206

This bill proposes an amendment to Chapter 119 of Massachusetts General Laws that would allow children in foster care to be emancipated from their biological parents under specific circumstances. Specifically, children who have been in the custody of a suitable foster care provider or the Department of Children and Families (DCF) for at least 18 months would be eligible for emancipation if their biological parents have not fulfilled court-ordered obligations. Emancipation is a legal process that effectively terminates the parent-child relationship, giving the child legal independence from their parents before reaching the age of majority. The bill aims to provide a clearer pathway for children in long-term foster care to have more stability and potential for permanent placement, recognizing that prolonged uncertainty and lack of parental engagement can be detrimental to a child's well-being and future prospects.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H206