Bill > H259

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), in collaboration with several educational and advocacy organizations, to take comprehensive steps to improve educational support for children in foster care. Specifically, the department must conduct a thorough review of its existing policies related to the education of children under its care, develop clear guidance for its area offices about educational responsibilities, and create new regulations that outline the duties of foster parents, social workers, area offices, and school districts regarding foster children's education. The bill mandates that these regulations enable DCF to closely monitor each foster child's educational progress and easily share educational information with authorized decision-makers and educators. Additionally, the department must create an orientation program for new foster parents to educate them about their educational responsibilities and available department services. The bill also requires DCF to submit an annual report by February 1st to various government officials, including the governor and legislative committees, which will include aggregate data about the educational experiences of children under the department's care.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H259