House Passes Bill Reforming Child Protection

Bill will require all mandated reporters to receive training on how to recognize and respond to abuse and neglect

BOSTON, MA - The House of Representatives yesterday gave final approval to a bill that will toughen the laws meant to protect our most vulnerable children from abuse and neglect and ensure the protection of children is at the top of the state's agenda with a new child advocate dedicated solely to child welfare.

"There is no greater task before us than protecting the most vulnerable children in Massachusetts and, with this legislation, we will help set up the framework to better handle the most troubling and disturbing cases," said Representative John P. Fresolo (D-Worcester).

"Today we stand up for the children of the Commonwealth with this bold initiative that will forever change how the most egregious cases are handled and more importantly how we can prevent them from even happening in the first place," said Speaker DiMasi, the lead author of the legislation. "This legislation help the government entrusted with protecting the most vulnerable in our society will do a better job and that is something we should all be proud of."

"Thanks to Speaker DiMasi, the Legislature is providing a blueprint as to how the Commonwealth will go forward in protecting children who have been part of a fragmented system for far too long," said House Majority Leader John Rogers, Chairman of the House Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect.

The legislation establishes minimum educational requirements for social workers and their supervisors, mandates training for mandatory reporters and increased criminal penalties. The bill also creates an independent office of the Child Advocate, who will receive notice of any serious injury to a child in the care of the Commonwealth and will have the power to conduct independent investigations.

The bill requires a comprehensive five-year plan to take on the tough issues in child welfare as identified by Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi's House Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect last year from racial disparities and mandated reporting to family engagement models and Department of Social Service caseloads.

The legislation will also change the name of the Department of Social Services to the Department of Children and Families to reflect the mission of the agency.

The bill, which received final approval from the House and Senate yesterday, is the result of nearly two years of detailed research, extensive public hearings and debate that was prompted by the horrific details of the abuse allegedly endured by 11-year-old Haleigh Poutre of Westfield.

As that case unfolded, Speaker DiMasi called on the House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight to conduct an investigation. The Post Audit Report, shared with DSS and key stakeholders, prompted the formation of the special House Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, chaired by Leader Rogers, which was tasked to find legislative solutions.

That committee conducted a series of public hearings and, in March 2007, released a groundbreaking report, First, Do No Harm, which detailed many of the recommendations codified in the bill passed by the House today.

The bill now awaits Governor Patrick's signature.