Bill Is End Result of More Nearly Two Years of Research, Deliberation
BOSTON – Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover) today announced the House of Representatives passed significant legislation to toughen the laws meant to protect our most vulnerable children from abuse and neglect and ensure that children’s protection is at the top of the state’s agenda with a new cabinet secretary dedicated solely to child welfare.
The bill also requires a comprehensive five-year plan to take on the tough issues in child welfare as identified by Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi’s House Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect last year – from racial disparities and mandated reporting to family engagement models and Department of Social Service caseloads. In addition, the bill establishes minimum educational requirements for social workers and their supervisors, orders training of mandatory reporters and increased criminal penalties.
“After many rigorous hearings, the special Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect offered recommendations to reform the DSS system and today the House stood united to adopt those recommendations. This bill will set the Commonwealth on a course to heightened oversight and increased protection for the most state’s most vulnerable children,” said Representative L’Italien.
“Today, the House took bold action for those who most need our help – our most vulnerable children,” said Speaker DiMasi, the lead author of the legislation. “This bill is a bold and significant step forward to protect our children from the horrific cases of abuse and neglect that, for far too long, have become commonplace in our neighborhoods and on the front pages of our newspapers.”
“This legislation is the first step down a path to serious reform. The House passed this bill in order to promote the safety and wellbeing of our most at risk children and to take a system that is now fragmented and install a cohesive organization in its place,” said Representative John Rogers (D-Norwood), chairman of the special Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect.
The bill, which now proceeds to the Senate, is the result of nearly two years of detailed research, extensive public hearings and debate that was prompted by the horrific details of the abuse allegedly endured by 11-year-old Haleigh Poutre of Westfield.
As that case unfolded, Speaker DiMasi called on the House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight to conduct an investigation. The Post Audit Report, shared with DSS and key stakeholders, prompted the formation of the special House Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, chaired by Leader Rogers, which was tasked to find legislative solutions.
That committee conducted a series of public hearings and, in March, released a groundbreaking report, “First, Do No Harm,” which detailed the recommendations codified in the bill passed by the House today.
“This has been an extensive process by design because the changes we passed today are meant to have a real, direct impact on the care received by the children of the Commonwealth,” Speaker DiMasi said. “I urge the Senate and Governor to quickly embrace this legislation so these important changes can be made as soon as possible.”
