The bill aims to enhance child welfare protections in Massachusetts by amending various sections of the General Laws related to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Child Advocate's office. Key provisions include the appointment of an education director to establish an education unit within DCF, focusing on educational stability and success for children in care. The bill mandates the issuance of annual and quarterly performance reports detailing demographic data, placement metrics, and educational outcomes. It also introduces a five-year performance plan with numerical targets for safety, permanence, and well-being, while streamlining reporting requirements and improving transparency by repealing outdated definitions and provisions.

Additionally, the bill establishes a state child fatality review team to analyze child fatalities and near fatalities, recommending preventive measures and promoting inter-agency cooperation. It includes confidentiality provisions for team meetings and mandates the Office of the Child Advocate to review child welfare data every three years. The bill allows plaintiffs who have reached the age of majority to request extensions of protective orders and repeals specific reporting requirements for DCF regarding fair hearing requests. Overall, these amendments aim to strengthen oversight, accountability, and advocacy for children's welfare in the Commonwealth.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 6-172, 18B-6A, 18C-1, 38-2A, 119-23, 119-29, 210-5E