Bill > H4486

This bill amends Chapter 18C of the General Laws to establish a new process for appointing and removing the child advocate, who heads the office of the child advocate and is responsible for its administration. The child advocate must be appointed by a majority vote of the attorney general, state auditor, and governor, based on a list of three nominees provided by a nominating committee. This nominating committee is composed of various state officials and representatives from professional organizations and advocacy groups, including the secretary of health and human services, the commissioner of children and families, a pediatrician, a child psychiatrist, a child psychologist, and representatives from mental health and child advocacy organizations, as well as legal and social work professionals, and someone with juvenile justice experience. Appointees must have demonstrated ability in areas like child welfare, juvenile justice, and public administration, and their appointment should be non-partisan. The child advocate serves a five-year term, with limitations on reappointment, and can be removed for cause, such as neglect of duty or misconduct, with the reasons for removal being publicly documented. The bill also specifies an effective date of July 1, 2016.