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Human Services committee advances bill to expand rights for independent youth and limit DCF use of children’s Social Security benefits
Summary
The Human Services Committee heard multi-hour testimony on H.582 covering independent-youth rights, protections for children’s Social Security benefits, limits on restraint/seclusion and transport, reporting requirements, and a pregnancy-surveillance working group; the committee approved draft 2.1 and will report the bill to the floor.
Matthew Bernstein, the state Child, Youth and Family Advocate, and Lauren McPhee, deputy advocate, told the House Human Services Committee on Feb. 26 that H.582 contains important reforms but raises complex implementation questions. "This is a serious undertaking," Bernstein said, urging careful statutory language and stronger child-centered decision-making.
The testimony focused on two high-profile elements: measures to preserve Social Security survivor and disability benefits for children in custody, and new limits and reporting requirements for restraint, seclusion and transportation. Bernstein recommended replacing an existing draft clause that would allow the department to "may" use children’s benefits for limited purposes with stronger statutory protection so children are treated "equally" regardless of the source of their income. He urged statutory language over an executive order to ensure long-term stability.
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