An Act supporting the development of children experiencing homelessness
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to improve support for young children experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. Specifically, it requires that children ages zero to three entering temporary shelters (such as emergency assistance, domestic violence, or substance abuse shelters) be automatically referred for an early intervention assessment within 30 days of arrival. The Department of Public Health will then determine the need for these services, which will be provided by an early intervention professional.
Key provisions
- Children ages 0-3 entering shelters are automatically referred for early intervention assessments.
- Assessments must occur within 30 days of shelter entry.
- Assessments are conducted according to Department of Public Health operational standards.
- Early intervention services are provided based on a professional evaluation of need.
- The Department of Public Health must adopt regulations to administer the act.
Who is affected
- Children experiencing homelessness
- Families experiencing homelessness
- Temporary emergency assistance shelters
- Domestic violence shelters
- Substance abuse and recovery shelters
Notable changes
- Establishes a mandatory early intervention assessment for young children in shelters.
- Creates a streamlined process for identifying and addressing the needs of these children.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
4 on record
Primary sponsor
Families and Persons with Disabilities Joint Committee on Children
Cosponsors
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