Issue Position: Child Welfare

Issue Position

I SUPPORT KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER

I support Senate Bill S. 1963 (Children in need of services reform) introduced by Senator Karen E. Spilka and Representative Paul J. Donato. This bill provides alternatives to the juvenile justice system for dealing with youth with serious problems, including substance abuse, undiagnosed mental health conditions, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. Currently the only interventions available are through juvenile court, which most often results in parents losing custody of their children. I also support reforms of DCF practices that remove children from their homes as a measure of first resort, rather than of last resort.

I WILL CHAMPION THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN

We can be proud of the fact that a 2014 study by the Ann E. Casey Foundation found that Massachusetts ranked number one in overall well-being of children. Our State came out on top in education and second in healthcare. However, all is not well for our children. The same study also found that Massachusetts children ranked 13th on the measure of economic well-being. It found that 30%, or 414,000 children, were living in homes where their parents lacked secure employment in 2012, up from 26% of children in 2008. And at school, 45% of eighth graders in Massachusetts were not proficient in math, and 53% of fourth graders were not proficient in reading, compared to 66% of children for both measures nationwide. We must do better, and I will champion legislation that will help our youngest residents stay healthy, safe, and able to reach their full potential.

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