Bill > H973

This bill establishes a child abuse and neglect registry in Massachusetts. It requires that persons found to have abused or neglected a minor under the age of 18 be recorded on the Massachusetts Central Registry of Child Abuse and Neglect. The bill also sets up a three-level system to categorize offenders based on the risk of re-offense and the severity of the abuse or neglect, with the public having access to information on Level 3 offenders. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Social Services check the registry as part of the licensing and background check process for prospective foster or adoptive parents, and allows the department to consult the courts for Level 1 offenders or reject applications for Level 2 and 3 offenders.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H973