The bill seeks to strengthen child welfare protections by amending various sections of the General Laws, particularly focusing on the education and support of children under the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Key provisions include the establishment of an education unit within the department to oversee educational services, monitor academic progress, and train social workers on educational best practices. The bill also mandates the appointment of an education director responsible for policy development and compliance monitoring. Additionally, it introduces new reporting requirements, including annual performance reports and quarterly profiles detailing departmental activities and outcomes related to child welfare, thereby promoting transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a framework for child fatality review teams at both state and local levels to reduce preventable child fatalities and near fatalities. It mandates the creation of a state child fatality review team that includes various stakeholders and is tasked with analyzing causes of child fatalities and advising on policy changes. The bill also includes provisions for the confidentiality of data collected during these reviews and outlines DCF's responsibilities regarding timely notifications to a child's counsel. Notably, it amends existing laws to ensure protective orders for minors remain effective until they reach adulthood, allowing for court review to extend such orders if necessary, while streamlining reporting processes by removing specific reporting deadlines.

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