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House advances broad child welfare reforms after hours of debate and multiple amendments
Summary
The House passed House Bill 46-44, a package of reforms to reporting, oversight and interagency coordination for child welfare, after adopting a series of amendments addressing funding language, the child fatality review team and a study commission on digital education records.
The Massachusetts House on Oct. 17 passed House Bill 46-44, described by sponsors as a comprehensive package to strengthen reporting, oversight and coordination for the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The chamber recorded a final roll-call tally of 159 in favor and 1 opposed to pass the bill to be engrossed.
Supporters said the bill increases DCF reporting obligations, clarifies the independence of the Office of the Child Advocate, requires better coordination with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) when children change placements, and strengthens the child fatality review program. Representative Livingstone of Boston, the House sponsor who spoke extensively on the measure, said the bill aims “to ensure that every child in the Commonwealth that comes in contact with the Department of Children and…
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