Bill > S108

This bill aims to protect individuals who report or provide information related to child abuse or neglect by amending Section 51B of Chapter 119 of the General Laws. Specifically, it clarifies that any person who participates in an investigation, testifies in a judicial proceeding concerning child abuse or neglect, provides information to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) when asked, or directly contacts the DCF about a child's safety concerns, will not be held civilly or criminally liable for doing so, as long as they were acting in good faith and did not themselves perpetrate the abuse or neglect. Furthermore, the bill prohibits employers from firing, discriminating against, or retaliating against such individuals, including mandated reporters (professionals legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect), for their good-faith involvement in child protection matters, unless those individuals were the perpetrators. Employers who violate this provision will be liable for treble damages, costs, and attorney's fees, and the Attorney General is empowered to enforce these protections through civil action.