H 204
An Act requiring the documentation of child counsel appointments
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Bill overview
This bill requires the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Massachusetts to formally document instances where a child is involved in ‘child counsel appointments.’ These appointments involve children providing input or guidance within the DCF system. The bill aims to ensure transparency and accountability regarding these interactions with children.
Key provisions
- DCF must maintain records of child counsel appointments.
- These records should include details about the child, the purpose of the appointment, and the content of the child’s input.
- The bill mandates a system for documenting these appointments.
- The documentation should be accessible to relevant parties involved in the child’s case.
- The Department of Children and Families is responsible for implementing and maintaining this documentation system.
Who is affected
- Department of Children and Families (DCF)
- Children involved in DCF cases
- Social workers at DCF
- Legal professionals involved in DCF cases
- Parents or guardians of children involved in DCF cases
Notable changes
- Currently, documentation of child counsel appointments may not be standardized or consistently maintained.
- This bill establishes a formal process for recording these interactions.
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.204 194th (Current)
An Act requiring the documentation of child counsel appointments
By Representative Berthiaume of Spencer, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 204) of Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr., relative to the Department of Children and Families providing official documentation of child counsel appointments. 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.204
| 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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