An Act establishing the Massachusetts foster care review office

This bill creates a new independent state agency called the Massachusetts Foster Care Review Office to oversee the foster care system. The office would conduct administrative reviews of every child in foster care at least every six months to evaluate their placement and progress toward permanent family living arrangements. Trained volunteer citizen reviewers would work alongside staff to examine case files, while the office would also generate regular reports for the legislature, courts, and the public. By establishing this independent body, the legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability in how the Department of Children and Families manages out-of-home placements.