Legislators call for more oversight of Mass. child welfare system in series of new bills – The Boston Globe

Legislators call for more oversight of Mass. child welfare system in series of new bills  The Boston Globe

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Oct 10, 2023 - 02:30
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Legislators call for more oversight of Mass. child welfare system in series of new bills – The Boston Globe

A Series of Bills to Reform the Child Welfare System in Massachusetts

Introduction

A series of bills under consideration on Beacon Hill aims to reform the child welfare system in Massachusetts, which legislators describe as desperately needing greater oversight.

Proposed Reforms

Currently, “it’s DCF policing DCF,” said state Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier, a Pittsfield Democrat and sponsor of the bills. The proposed reforms include:

  • Greater influence to the Office of the Child Advocate
  • Creation of a new office of foster care review
  • Establishment of a foster child bill of rights

Tragedies as Catalysts

Legislators cited tragedies like the deaths of Harmony Montgomery and David Almond as catalysts for the bills. These cases highlight the critical need for ensuring the safety and welfare of the more than 7,000 Massachusetts children in foster care.

Lack of Housing for Foster Children

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) continues to face a critical lack of housing for foster children. Temporary housing solutions, such as using apartments, have been implemented due to the shortage of suitable options.

Opportune Time for Reform

With a new administration and new leadership in place, legislators believe that now is the opportune time to strengthen the child welfare system. State Senator Jacob Oliveira emphasized the need to strengthen the Office of the Child Advocate and other relevant offices.

Independence and Intervention

Both Farley-Bouvier’s and Oliveira’s bills aim to give the Office of the Child Advocate greater independence and the ability to intervene in child welfare court cases. The proposed changes include:

  • Granting the office the power to appear in court and contribute information during hearings
  • Ensuring the office’s independence from the governor and secretary of health and human services
  • Allowing the office to make policy recommendations and provide input on court cases

Concerns and Opposition

During the hearing, concerns were raised about potential confusion and fairness in having two state offices representing children in court proceedings. Susan Elsen, an advocate with the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, expressed her reservations about this aspect of the proposed reforms.

Further Proposals

Oliveira’s omnibus bill also proposes better connections between DCF and schools to ensure foster children receive an adequate education. The proposed foster child bill of rights includes guarantees of safety, stable placements, access to basic necessities, and respect for cultural backgrounds and gender identities.

Conclusion

The proposed bills aim to address the shortcomings of the child welfare system and protect the rights and well-being of children in foster care. The legislators hope that these reforms will prevent future tragedies and ensure every child in the commonwealth’s custody can survive and thrive.

Jason Laughlin can be reached at jason.laughlin@globe.com. Follow him @jasmlaughlin.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. SDG 1: No Poverty

    • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable.
    • Indicator: The article mentions the proposed foster child bill of rights, which includes guarantees of safety, stable placements, and access to food, clothes, and personal care. These measures aim to address poverty and ensure the well-being of children in foster care.

  2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

    • Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births.
    • Indicator: The article mentions the deaths of Harmony Montgomery and David Almond, both children who were in the child welfare system and experienced tragic outcomes. The proposed reforms aim to improve the safety and well-being of children in foster care to prevent such deaths.

  3. SDG 4: Quality Education

    • Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
    • Indicator: The article mentions the proposed better connections between the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and schools, which aim to ensure that children in the foster care system receive an adequate education.

  4. SDG 5: Gender Equality

    • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
    • Indicator: The proposed foster child bill of rights includes a provision to ensure that children’s gender identities are respected, contributing to the goal of gender equality.

  5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

    • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
    • Indicator: The proposed reforms aim to improve the child welfare system’s oversight and accountability, ensuring that all children in foster care receive equal treatment and protection, regardless of their background or circumstances.

  6. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

    • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
    • Indicator: The article highlights cases of child abuse and tragic outcomes within the child welfare system. The proposed reforms aim to strengthen institutions and systems to prevent such abuse and violence against children.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 1: No Poverty Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable. The proposed foster child bill of rights, which includes guarantees of safety, stable placements, and access to food, clothes, and personal care.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births. The deaths of Harmony Montgomery and David Almond, highlighting the need for reforms to improve the safety and well-being of children in foster care.
SDG 4: Quality Education Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. The proposed better connections between the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and schools to ensure children in foster care receive an adequate education.
SDG 5: Gender Equality Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere. The provision in the proposed foster child bill of rights to ensure children’s gender identities are respected.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. The proposed reforms to improve oversight and accountability in the child welfare system to ensure equal treatment and protection for all children in foster care.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. The cases of child abuse and tragic outcomes within the child welfare system, highlighting the need for stronger institutions and systems to prevent such abuse and violence.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: bostonglobe.com

 

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