Advocates, DCF staff urge dedicated hair‑care funding for children in state custody

Boston — Social workers, advocates and NAACP representatives urged the Joint Committee to add a dedicated line item so children in state custody can access hair care and hair products appropriate to their needs, saying the lack of a funding pathway disproportionately affects Black children and undermines self‑esteem and hygiene.

"There is no current pathway for children to get their hair done who are in care," said Kokyanna Fuller of the NAACP, testifying in support of House Bill H4216 (an act to promote equitable hair care for children in state custody). She said the absence of routine hair care can lead to bullying, visibility as a child in state care and harms to mental health.

Clinical staff testified that inadequate hair care can compound health and social problems. Mary Ann Wallace, a social worker, described a case in which early intervention of hair and scalp care helped prevent more serious dermatological issues for a child in care.

A DCF response social worker, Kinyari Ratliff Hossain, said the department is responsible for grooming and hygiene but that agency practice does not consistently fund or provide specialized hair‑care services and products appropriate for textured hair. Witnesses asked the committee to create a budget line item to ensure children in DCF custody have access to hair care regardless of placement setting (foster, group home, hospital or other).

Committee members did not vote; witnesses offered to submit additional written materials.