Bill > H3208

This bill establishes a special committee within the House of Representatives, comprised of 11 members appointed by the Speaker and the Minority Leader, to investigate and study the children of incarcerated mothers in the Commonwealth. The committee's work will focus on understanding the mental health needs, case management, education, training, and transportation issues affecting these children and their mothers, as well as examining data collection and reporting practices by the Department of Corrections and sheriffs. It will also assess the capacity of these departments for self-review, the frequency of such reviews, and the Department of Correction's response to findings, while also considering the roles of law enforcement and private providers like social workers and therapists. The committee is mandated to submit quarterly reports detailing its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the clerk of the House and the joint committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities by October 15, 2016.