H4599
An Act establishing a bill of rights for children in foster care
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Bill overview
This bill creates a ‘Bill of Rights’ for children in Massachusetts’ foster care system, outlining their fundamental rights and protections. It aims to ensure that foster children have access to essential services, participate in decisions affecting their lives, and are treated with dignity and respect. The bill seeks to improve the well-being and stability of children in foster care by establishing clear standards for their care and support. It builds upon existing efforts to protect vulnerable youth within the state’s child welfare system.
Key provisions
- Recognizes children in foster care as having specific rights.
- Guarantees the right to participate in decisions about their care and placement.
- Ensures access to legal representation and support.
- Protects the right to privacy and confidentiality.
- Addresses the right to receive culturally competent services.
- Promotes the right to education and access to extracurricular activities.
- Establishes a process for reporting violations of the Bill of Rights.
Who is affected
- Children in foster care in Massachusetts
- Foster parents
- Child welfare agencies
- The Department of Children and Families
- The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
Notable changes
- Establishes a formal legal framework for children’s rights within the foster care system.
- Adds a specific Bill of Rights to complement existing child welfare laws.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Families and Persons with Disabilities Joint Committee on Children
Cosponsors
Amy Mah Sangiolo
Christopher J. Worrell
Danillo A. Sena
Joanne M. Comerford
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Bill H.4599 194th (Current)
An Act establishing a bill of rights for children in foster care
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4599
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 10/15/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities |
| 10/15/2025 | House | New draft of H235, H236, H246, H249, H258, H259, H265 and H266 |
| 10/15/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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