H 4646
An Act enhancing child welfare protections
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 aims to strengthen protections for children within the Massachusetts child welfare system. It seeks to improve the processes and outcomes related to child abuse and neglect investigations, permanency planning, and foster care. The legislation focuses on increasing transparency and accountability within the department, and ensuring children’s needs are met throughout the child welfare process.
Key provisions
- Enhances reporting requirements for suspected child abuse and neglect.
- Strengthens permanency planning processes to expedite reunification or adoption.
- Improves training and support for foster parents.
- Increases oversight of child welfare agencies.
- Expands access to mental health services for children and families involved in the child welfare system.
- Addresses gaps in data collection and analysis to improve program effectiveness.
- Promotes culturally responsive practices within child welfare services.
Who is affected
- Children in Massachusetts
- Foster parents
- Child welfare agencies
- Families involved in the child welfare system
- Social workers
Notable changes
- The bill emphasizes improved data collection and analysis to inform policy and practice.
- It aims to streamline permanency planning processes to reduce the time children spend in foster care.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Cosponsors
Christopher J. Worrell
Jay D. Livingstone
Russell E. Holmes
Thomas W. Moakley
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.4646 194th (Current)
An Act enhancing child welfare protections
House bill No. 4644, as amended and passed to be engrossed by the House. October 22, 2025.
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Cosponsors
Bill History
Displaying 3 actions for Bill H.4646
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 10/22/2025 | House | H4644, published as amended |
| 10/22/2025 | House | Passed to be engrossed - 159 YEAS to 1 NAYS (See YEA and NAY No. 96 ) |
| 10/27/2025 | Senate | Read; and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
Similar Bills
H.4787 192nd (2021 - 2022)
An Act enhancing child welfare protections
H.262 194th (Current)
An Act enhancing child welfare protections
S.124 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act enhancing child welfare protections
S.148 194th (Current)
An Act enhancing child welfare protections
H.4974 192nd (2021 - 2022)
An Act enhancing child welfare protections
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.