An Act relating to background checks for kinship foster care

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families to conduct background checks on grandparents and other relatives seeking to become foster care providers. Under the new rules, minor infractions that have not been repeated within the last twenty years would no longer disqualify a potential caregiver. However, any history of felonies, violence, or sexual offenses will remain permanently disqualifying regardless of how much time has passed. The law aims to balance the need for safety with the goal of keeping children in their existing family networks when possible.