H4644
An Act enhancing child welfare protections
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to strengthen protections for children within the Massachusetts child welfare system. It focuses on improving the processes and outcomes related to child placement, support for families, and investigations into potential child abuse or neglect. The legislation seeks to ensure children’s safety and well-being by addressing gaps and inefficiencies in current practices. It also intends to provide additional resources and support to families involved in the child welfare system.
Key provisions
- Enhancements to investigations of child abuse and neglect reports.
- Improved support services for families involved in child protective services.
- Changes to child placement procedures to prioritize family reunification.
- Increased oversight of foster care agencies.
- Requirements for training and professional development for child welfare workers.
- Expanded access to mental health services for children and families.
- Strengthened protections for children in out-of-home care.
Who is affected
- Children in Massachusetts
- Families involved in child protective services
- Foster care agencies
- Child welfare workers
- The Department of Children and Families
Notable changes
- Updates to reporting requirements for suspected child abuse.
- Modifications to the criteria for determining appropriate child placement.
- Potential changes to the roles and responsibilities of foster parents.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
House Committee on Ways and Means
Cosponsors
Christopher J. Worrell
Jay D. Livingstone
Russell E. Holmes
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Bill H.4644 194th (Current)
An Act enhancing child welfare protections
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: House Committee on Ways and Means
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Bill History Amendments Cosponsors
Bill History
Displaying 14 actions for Bill H.4644
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 10/22/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on House Ways and Means |
| 10/22/2025 | House | Pending new draft of H4416 |
| 10/22/2025 | House | New draft of H4416 |
| 10/22/2025 | House | Ordered to a third reading |
| 10/22/2025 | House | Rules suspended |
| 10/22/2025 | House | Read third |
| 10/22/2025 | House | Amendment 6 pending |
| 10/22/2025 | House | Point of Order pending |
| 10/22/2025 | House | Point of Order well taken |
| 10/22/2025 | House | Amendment 6 laid aside |
| 10/22/2025 | House | Amendment 3 adopted |
| 10/22/2025 | House | Amendment 17 adopted, as changed - 159 YEAS to 1 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 94 ) |
| 10/22/2025 | House | Amendment 5 adopted, as changed - 160 YEAS to 0 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 95 ) |
| 10/22/2025 | House | Published as amended, see H4646 |
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