THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 19, 2026 Page 13 Sen. Lewis and Mass. Senate pass child welfare bill O n June 11, 2026, Senator Jason Lewis joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate to unanimously pass An Act enhancing child welfare protections, which safeguards the well-being of children, particularly those in state and foster care. The bill increases access to community support for children at risk of court involvement and strengthens investigations of abuse cases. Notably, the legislation establishes a Foster Child Bill of Rights to codify and guarantee basic rights for children in foster care related to their safety, education and health care. “Protecting children, especially those dealing with difficult circumstances that brought them into state or foster care, is critically important,” said Senator Lewis. “This legislation ensures that the health, safety, and wellbeing of a child always come first.” The Senate’s bill expands the diversion of children dealing with behavior or attendance problems to Family Resource Centers (FRCs) instead of the court system. FRCs provide accessible, confidential support to children and families in crisis close to home and have proven successful in helping kids and teens stay in school, connecting families with services like mental health or substance use treatment, housing aid and legal aid, and — most importantly — avoiding the need for the child FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT EVERETT to obtain a court record just to access assistance. The bill also further strengthens the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) to support robust investigations into reports of harm or abuse to a child. It places the Child Fatality Review Team within the OCA and explicitly empowers the OCA to review cases of indecent assault and battery, abuse or rape of a child. On October 22, 2025, the House of Representatives had passed (159-1) its own version of the bill. The two bill versions will now be reconciled by the legislature. Governor Maura Healey will then receive the bill for her signature and/or other actions. APARTMENTS FOR RENT www.mastrocola.com American Exterior and Window Corporation Contact us for all of your home improvement projects and necessities. Call Jeff or Bob Toll Free: 1-888-744-1756 1 bedroom, 1 bath furnished room for rent. $275. per week rent. Two week deposit plus 1 week rent required. Call: 617-435-9047 - NO TEXT The Kid Does Clean Outs From 1 item to 1,000 * Basements * Homes * Backyards * Commercial Buildings The cheapest prices around! Call Eric: (857) 322-2854 617-699-1782 / www.americanexteriorma.com Windows, Siding, Roofing, Carpentry & More! All estimates, consultations or inspections completed by MA licensed supervisors. *Over 50 years experience. *Better Business Bureau Membership. Insured and Registered Complete Financing Available. No Money Down. BUDGET SERVICES RUBBISH REMOVAL * Interior-Exterior Demolition Bathroom/Kitchen/Decks, Etc. * All Types of Debris Removed * Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $239. ~ Licensed & Insured ~ Call (978) 494-3443 Clean-Outs! We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. Call Robert at: 781-844-0472 Steps Stoops Rebuilt or Repaired Chimney Rebuilt or Repaired House Foundation Leaks Repaired All Basement Repairs Walkways, Driveways & Patios Installed Chimney Inspection Roofing & Siding Installed Masonry Repairs Window Installation & Repairs Carpentry & Waterproofing 617-955-5164 toughbuildmasonryandconstuction.com toughbuildjohn@gmail.com Advocate Call now! 617-387-2200 advertise on the web at www.advocatenews.net Classifieds
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