H 4599
An Act establishing a bill of rights for children in foster care
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes a bill of rights for children in foster care in Massachusetts. It outlines specific rights related to safety, family connections, healthcare, education, and transition to adulthood. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is required to provide these rights to children in their care, along with a plain-language version, and to ensure compliance with these rights. The bill also mandates ongoing monitoring and reporting on complaints related to these rights.
Key provisions
- Each child has the right to safety, respect, and freedom from discrimination, abuse, and neglect.
- Children have the right to a placement that aligns with their gender identity and cultural background.
- The department must prioritize placements with siblings and family members.
- Children have the right to access appropriate healthcare, including gender-affirming care.
- Children have the right to receive education and support to achieve developmental milestones.
- The department must provide transition planning for youth aging out of foster care.
- Children have the right to be informed about their case and to participate in decisions affecting their care.
- The department must ensure children have access to legal representation when needed.
Who is affected
- Children in foster care
- Foster parents
- The Department of Children and Families
- Attorneys representing children in foster care
- Service providers involved in foster care
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
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill H.4599 194th (Current)
An Act establishing a bill of rights for children in foster care
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
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 |
Similar Bills
H.235 194th (Current)
An Act establishing a bill of rights for children in foster care
H.164 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act establishing a bill of rights for children in foster care
S.107 194th (Current)
An Act establishing a bill of rights for children in foster care
H.3776 194th (Current)
An Act relative to an ADA paratransit program riders' bill of rights
H.3417 194th (Current)
An Act designating Domestic Workers' Rights Day
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.