An Act to reform and bring transparency in Children Protective Services Agencies (DCF) and bring equal protection for children in the foster care system

HD 4329 creates a new Public Independent Investigative Commission to oversee Massachusetts' Children's Protective Services (DCF) agencies. The commission, selected annually by Massachusetts residents from diverse community members (excluding judges, lawyers, or government appointees), will investigate complaints about DCF's alleged abuse of power, racial disparities in child removals (especially affecting Black, Hispanic, low-income, and LGBTQ families), and wrongful separation of children from parents. It mandates public disclosure of commission members' information and prohibits reappointment to ensure accountability. The bill directly affects DCF operations, foster care children, and families in communities historically over-policed by child welfare systems.