H 206
An Act fast-tracking adoptions for children in DCF custody
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to expedite the adoption process for children currently in the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Massachusetts. It seeks to establish a process for these children to be considered for emancipation from their biological parents, potentially leading to faster adoption placements. The bill is intended to streamline the legal procedures involved in these cases, prioritizing the best interests of the children involved. Similar bills have been proposed and considered in the past.
Key provisions
- Provides a pathway for foster care children in DCF custody to seek emancipation.
- Aims to accelerate the adoption process for these children.
- Focuses on streamlining legal procedures related to emancipation and adoption.
- Prioritizes the well-being and placement of children in stable homes.
- Related to children subject to abuse and neglect investigations.
Who is affected
- Children in foster care within DCF custody
- Biological parents of foster children
- DCF (Department of Children and Families)
- Adoption agencies
- Judicial system
Notable changes
- Establishes a specific process for emancipation for foster children.
- Potentially reduces the time it takes to finalize adoptions for these children.
- Addresses a gap in existing laws regarding the rights of foster children.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Jr. Donald R. Berthiaume
Cosponsors
Jr. Donald R. Berthiaume
Kelly W. Pease
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.206 194th (Current)
An Act fast-tracking adoptions for children in DCF custody
By Representative Berthiaume of Spencer, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 206) of Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., relative to providing that certain foster care children have the right to be emancipated from their biological parents. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr.
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.206
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 7/11/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 |
| 7/22/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 07/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-03:15 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 12/31/2025 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H4883 |
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