The Fostering Connections Resource Center gratefully acknowledges the National Conference of State Legislatures for sharing its tracking information about pending and enacted legislation. Please visit NCSL for additional information.
Enacted Legislation in Massachusetts
There is no enacted legislation for Massachusetts.
Pending Legislation in Massachusetts
Youths in Care of the Commonwealth
Bill: HB 123; Status: Pending
Summary: Allows for children who have aged out of the custody of the department of children and families to be eligible for benefits until they reach age 21.
Sponsored by Representative Bradley
Foster Youth
Bill: SB 40; Status: Pending
Summary: Requires the Department of Children and Families to continue its responsibility for any foster youth who has attained the age of 18 and is under 22 years of age and who is (1) completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential; (2) enrolled in an institution which provides post-secondary or vocational education; (3) participating in a program or activity designed to promote, or to remove barriers to, employment; (4) employed at least 80 hours per month; or (5) incapable of doing any of the activities described in subclauses (1) though (4) due to a medical condition, which incapability is supported by regularly updated information in the case plan of the child, provided, however, that the department's continued responsibility for persons who have attained the age of 18 is contingent upon the express written consent of the person. Requires the department to provide the child with assistance and support in developing a transition plan during the 90-day period immediately prior to the date on which a child will attain 18 years of age (if they elect to leave the care of the department upon this date) or the child's 22nd birthdate (if them remain in the care of the department until this time). Mandates the court to retain jurisdiction until it finds that a satisfactory transition plan has been provided for the child.
Sponsored by Senator Flanagan
Educational Stability for Foster Children
Bill: SB 41; Status: Pending
Summary: Promotes educational stability for foster children. States the commissioner of the department of children and families, in consultation with office of the child advocate and the secretary of education, shall develop a statewide plan for the educational stability of children placed in foster care.
Sponsored by Senator Galluccio
Youths in Care of the Commonwealth
Bill: HB 123; Status: Pending-Carryover
Summary: Allows for children who have aged out of the custody of the department of children and families to be eligible for benefits until they reach age 21.
Sponsored by Representative Bradley
Foster Youth
Bill: SB 40; Status: Pending-Carryover
Summary: Requires the Department of Children and Families to continue its responsibility for any foster youth who has attained the age of 18 and is under 22 years of age and who is (1) completing secondary education or a program leading to an equivalent credential; (2) enrolled in an institution which provides post-secondary or vocational education; (3) participating in a program or activity designed to promote, or to remove barriers to, employment; (4) employed at least 80 hours per month; or (5) incapable of doing any of the activities described in subclauses (1) though (4) due to a medical condition, which incapability is supported by regularly updated information in the case plan of the child, provided, however, that the department's continued responsibility for persons who have attained the age of 18 is contingent upon the express written consent of the person. Requires the department to provide the child with assistance and support in developing a transition plan during the 90-day period immediately prior to the date on which a child will attain 18 years of age (if they elect to leave the care of the department upon this date) or the child's 22nd birthdate (if them remain in the care of the department until this time). Mandates the court to retain jurisdiction until it finds that a satisfactory transition plan has been provided for the child.
Sponsored by Senator Flanagan
Educational Stability for Foster Children
Bill: SB 41; Status: Pending-Carryover
Summary: Promotes educational stability for foster children. States the commissioner of the department of children and families, in consultation with office of the child advocate and the secretary of education, shall develop a statewide plan for the educational stability of children placed in foster care.
Sponsored by Senator Galluccio
