BOSTON — The state House of Representatives on Wednesday passed legislation to strengthen oversight, transparency, and accountability within the commonwealth's child welfare system. 

 

An Act Enhancing Child Welfare Protections modernizes the Department of Children and Families' (DCF) statutory reporting, clarifies the independence of the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA), improves educational stability for children in care, and updates the state's child fatality review process.

 

"Every child in every corner of the state deserves to be safe and happy. Children in the state's care are incredibly vulnerable and it is our impetus as lawmakers to do everything we can to improve their lives," said state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier. "Today we took a step in that direction by passing a child welfare omnibus. 

 

"Championed by my colleague Chair [Jay] Livingstone, this legislation strengthens DCF oversight and increases accountability and transparency through reporting requirements and technical changes. I will continue advocating alongside foster parents and advocates in my community for children in our state's care."

 

Livingtone, of Boston, is House chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

 

Farley-Bouvier said the legislation expands statutory reporting by DCF to include disability and disaggregated demographic data, breakdowns of 51A reports by reporter role, Americans with Disabilities Act accommodation and complaint metrics, and refined placement and permanency measures. It also adds reporting requirements on outcomes for youth aging out of DCF's care, behavioral health boarding, and education metrics, such as individualized education program counts, attendance, and graduation rates.

 

The bill allows for the creation of a DCF Education Unit, tasked with academic monitoring, support, and strengthening coordination with school districts. It also requires DCF and the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to establish clear enrollment timelines and record transfer standards for children in DCF custody who change schools.

 

It also clarifies the role of the Office of the Child Advocate and expends its authority to examine disproportionality, partner with agencies, maintain a public mandated reporter website, and conduct systemwide reviews of DCF. The bill also strengthens other review systems and requires timely notifications of changes related to the children under DCF purview. 

 

The bill passed the House of Representatives 159-1. It now goes to the Senate for

consideration.