By Bob Katzen

Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters say would guarantee certain basic rights for children in foster care related to their safety, education and health care. They argued that the measure safeguards the wellbeing of children, especially those in state care and foster care; increases access to community support for children at risk of court involvement; and strengthens the Office of the Child Advocate to support robust investigations into reports of harm or abuse to a child.

A key provision would expand the diversion of children dealing with behavior or attendance problems to Family Resource Centers (FRCs) instead of the court system. Supporters note that FRCs provide accessible, confidential support to children and families in crisis close to home and have proven successful in helping kids and teens stay in school, connecting families with services such as mental health or substance use treatment, housing aid and legal help.

“The bill brought before the Senate today makes important changes to improve the efficiency, transparency, accountability and performance of the Department of Children and Families, the Office of the Child Advocate and the Children Requiring Assistance systems,” said Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester), Senate Chair of the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. “These long-needed improvements to our child welfare ecosystem have passed today because of the tireless work of so many. Because of their efforts, Massachusetts will be a better place for our children to learn and grow. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to make policy that helps all the children of the commonwealth thrive.”

“The Senate is standing firm in its commitment to improve safety, stability and well-being for children across the commonwealth, with special attention to protecting children in foster care,” said Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), a key proponent of the measure. “This legislation includes a Foster Child Bill of Rights, which clarifies and affirms that every child deserves to be heard, supported and treated with dignity. It recognizes the importance of supportive and affirming placements, preserving family and kinship connections whenever possible, maintaining educational continuity, honoring cultural and gender identities and ensuring children with disabilities receive the accommodations they need.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes