The bill aims to enhance 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 provide training to social workers on educational best practices. The bill also mandates the appointment of an education director responsible for developing policies to address systemic barriers to education for children in care. Additionally, it introduces new reporting requirements, including an annual performance report detailing the department's activities and outcomes related to child welfare, and emphasizes timely communication with parents or guardians regarding children's psychiatric services.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a framework for state and local child fatality review teams aimed at reducing preventable child fatalities and near fatalities. It mandates the formation of a state child fatality review team that includes various stakeholders and is tasked with analyzing the causes of child fatalities and advising on policy changes. The bill also includes provisions for the confidentiality of data collected by these teams and outlines the responsibilities of the DCF regarding timely notifications to a child's counsel about changes in placement or hospitalization. Several sections of existing law are amended or repealed to streamline processes and enhance the protection of children in the welfare system, including the establishment of clear timelines for school enrollment for children in state custody.

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