Section 11. The child advocate, in consultation with the advisory council, may from time to time, examine systemwide responses to child abuse and neglect, including related mental health, substance use and domestic violence issues, and shall file a report on any such examination with the governor, the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the senate and house committees on ways and means and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities. The child advocate's examination may include, without limitation, racial disproportionality and disparity, truancy and runaways, mandated reporting, screening of child abuse and neglect reports, social worker qualifications and caseloads, law enforcement involvement, health service needs, including behavioral health needs, of children at risk, criminal offender record information reviews, administrative and cost requirements, federal funding for child welfare purposes and the effectiveness of child abuse laws. The child advocate may seek advice broadly from individuals with expertise in child welfare in preparing a report under this section.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth
Chapter 18c - Office of the Child Advocate
Section 2 - Office of the Child Advocate; Duties
Section 3 - Child Advocate; Appointment; Vacancies; Removal
Section 4 - Child Advocate Advisory Board; Duties and Salary of Child Advocate
Section 6 - Access to Facilities and Records; Release of Information
Section 7 - Witnesses; Documents; Subpoenas
Section 8 - Discrimination or Retaliation; Penalties
Section 9 - Procedures for Performance of Duties; Rules and Regulations
Section 11 - Examination of Systemwide Responses to Child Abuse and Neglect