Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 4, 2026 Malden legislators and Legislature enact bill to enhance child welfare protections O n July 31, 2026, State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Paul Donato, Steven Ultrino and Kate Lipper-Garabedian joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to enact comprehensive legislation to strengthen oversight, transparency and accountability within the Commonwealth’s child welfare system. An Act enhancing child welfare protections strengthens and builds on the work of existing entities, including the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA), the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Family Resource Center (FRC) network and the Commonwealth’s public schools in order to take a comprehensive approach toward making sure all children receive the support they deserve. On August 6, GovJason Lewis State Senator Kate Lipper-Garabedian State Representative ernor Maura Healey signed the legislation into law as Chapter 179 of the Acts of 2026. “Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children in Massachusetts, especially those in state and foster care, is of paramount Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Aluminum Aluminum Everett Everett Supplies Celebrating 66 Years in Business! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Vinyl Siding Decks • •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Free Estimates • • Replacement Windows • Carpentry Work • Roong • Fully Insured• Fully Insured Fully Insured Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com • Replacement Windows •Roong Free Estimates Fully Licensed • Roong 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Everett Aluminum Supplies importance to me and to the legislature,” said Senator Lewis. “This law strengthens our policies and protections to make sure that the health, safety, and wellbeing of our children always comes first.” “As a former foster child, I am incredibly proud of the passage of this bill, particularly the establishment of the Foster Child Bill of Rights. This legislation guarantees all foster children will live in a safe, nurturing home while also providing opportunity to receive additional and personal assistance if needed,” said Representative Donato. “Being in Foster Care should not be a hurdle to receiving health care or a good education.” “Every child deserves to grow up safe, supported, and given every opportunity to succeed,” Steve Ultrino State Representative said Representative Ultrino. “By strengthening oversight and accountability, this legislation helps ensure that children in state and foster care receive the support and protections they deserve.” “This legislation strengthens the state systems that serve our most vulnerable children,” said Representative Lipper-Garabedian. “The law will advance greater attention on and care for the individuals in the child welfare system with enhanced reporting, cross-agency collaboration, and attention on outcomes. As a former teacher, I recognize the vital nature of improved coordination between school districts with clear enrollment timelines and record transfer standards to support students in DCF custody who change schools. These meaPaul Donato State Representative sures provide essential support for students to experience stability and succeed academically.” Highlights of the child welfare protection legislation: ● Establishing a Foster Child Bill of Rights to clarify and protect the basic rights and services foster children need to live healthy, safe and fulfilled lives ● Allowing children the same ability as adults to petition the court to extend any abuse or harassment protection orders made on behalf of the child ● Creating a DCF Education Unit tasked with academic monitoring, support and coordination with school districts; also requires clear enrollment timelines and record transfer standards BILL | SEE PAGE 5 Aluminum Summer is Here!
5 Publizr Home