The bill amends Section 42-72-5 of the General Laws concerning the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to enhance its role in supporting children and ensuring their educational and mental health needs are met. It introduces new provisions that require the department to notify state and local police when investigating sexual assault complaints involving minors if probable cause is established. Additionally, the bill mandates a new hiring process for social caseworkers and child protective investigators, which must be implemented by October 1, 2023. This process includes eligibility screening, civil service examinations, and interviews conducted by a diverse panel of current employees. The bill also emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary service plans for drug-exposed infants and outlines the responsibilities of the department in providing mental health services to children with serious emotional disturbances and functional developmental disabilities.

Significantly, the bill shifts the financial responsibility for the education of children in DCYF custody to the school district of the child's legal residence, effective July 1, 2025, superseding any conflicting laws. It also defines "functional developmental disability" to include autism spectrum disorders and mandates the initiation of transition planning for children who may require continued support after turning twenty-one. The bill deletes outdated provisions from previous legislation to streamline operations and improve service delivery, while also requiring the department to submit an interim report by March 15, 2024, detailing the outcomes of the new hiring process and addressing any barriers to hiring that may remain.

Statutes affected:
5528: 42-72-5