Bill > S2520

This bill aims to strengthen the protection of children in the Commonwealth. Key provisions include: 1. Allowing school-age children removed from their homes and placed in the custody of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to continue attending their previous school, unless it is determined not to be in their best interest. 2. Establishing a child abuse and neglect expert review panel to examine cases of repeated entry into the DCF caseload and make recommendations to protect children from further harm. 3. Imposing a $500 fine on foster home licensees who fail to notify DCF of changes in household status. 4. Requiring DCF to consider the appropriateness of a child's current educational setting and proximity to their school when placing the child in foster care. 5. Strengthening requirements for keeping siblings placed together unless there is clear evidence that separate placements are in the best interests of one or more siblings. 6. Requiring DCF to develop an "electronic backpack" program to maintain educational records for foster youth. 7. Enhancing training requirements for foster parents and kinship caregivers, including on the prevention of abuse, care for substance-exposed infants, and cultural sensitivity. 8. Establishing various rights and protections for foster parents, including access to caseworkers, information about the child, and the ability to be involved in decision-making. 9. The bill also directs the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants to identify areas in need of culturally competent services and make recommendations to improve access.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2520