Bill > H271

This bill modifies existing Massachusetts law regarding foster parent applications by establishing new guidelines for evaluating criminal history. Specifically, the bill requires that if a crime was committed more than five years prior to an application review, mental health and criminal justice professionals must presume the offense is irrelevant to assessing potential risk to a child. The bill prohibits professionals from automatically assuming that any crime (except those specified in other subsections related to serious offenses) indicates a risk of harm to children. Furthermore, the bill prevents the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families from automatically rejecting foster parent applications based on criminal history, except for a narrow set of serious offenses outlined in specific existing legal subsections. This legislation aims to prevent blanket discrimination against potential foster parents by requiring a more nuanced, individualized assessment of an applicant's criminal history and its relevance to their ability to provide a safe home for foster children.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H271