The bill focuses on enhancing the Foster Care Review (FCR) process conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) for FY2024, emphasizing the safety, permanency, and well-being of children in foster care. It highlights the establishment of a three-party panel for reviews, which includes a DCF Foster Care Reviewer, a local area office manager or supervisor, and a Volunteer Case Reviewer. The report indicates that 88.4% of the 11,242 FCRs conducted were completed on time, with a notable increase in participation due to virtual reviews. The bill also introduces a new webpage on Mass.gov for the Volunteer Case Reviewer program to enhance recruitment and training efforts.
Additionally, the bill mandates that Action Plans developed with families must address safety, permanency, and well-being needs, while also ensuring that DCF maintains effective communication with families. It outlines the necessity for timely follow-up on identified concerns during the FCR process and emphasizes the importance of family engagement in developing these plans. The bill introduces new provisions for tracking employment and life skills training for youth aged 14-22, as well as metrics for evaluating the effectiveness of the foster care system. Overall, the amendments aim to improve the quality of care and support provided to children and families involved in the foster care system.