H 205
An Act relating to background checks for kinship foster care
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill aims to establish a more thorough background check process for individuals considering becoming kinship foster parents in Massachusetts. Currently, the requirements for kinship foster parents may not be as stringent as those for traditional foster parents. The bill seeks to ensure that children placed in kinship foster care are placed with individuals who have been adequately vetted and assessed for their ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment.
Key provisions
- Requires kinship foster parents to undergo a more comprehensive background check.
- Establishes specific criteria for evaluating kinship foster parents.
- May include requirements for criminal history checks and interviews.
- Intends to enhance the safety and well-being of children in kinship foster care.
- Focuses on kinship placements, recognizing the existing relationship between the foster parent and child.
Who is affected
- Kinship foster parents
- Children in kinship foster care
- Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
- Families seeking to provide foster care
Notable changes
- Increases the level of background checks for kinship foster care placements.
- Addresses potential gaps in the current vetting process for kinship foster parents.
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.205 194th (Current)
An Act relating to background checks for kinship foster care
By Representative Berthiaume of Spencer, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 205) of Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., relative to background checks for kinship foster care. 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 4 actions for Bill H.205
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 6/27/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/08/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 |
| 12/31/2025 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H4883 |
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