Section 16. There shall be a statewide advisory council which shall consist of one member from each area board, elected by the members thereof, to serve for a term of one year. Said council shall advise the commissioner in matters of statewide interest relating to the delivery of social services for children and families. At least one such member shall be a member from the financial or business professions with special fiscal or budgetary skill.
The council shall work to facilitate the medical evaluation process and recruitment of physicians, dentists and mental health professionals to medically screen and evaluate children newly admitted to foster care. To accomplish this goal the council shall consult with pediatricians, family practice physicians or a nurse practitioners, dentists, psychiatrists, psychologists or licensed independent clinical social worker therapists, the family and probate court, the juvenile court, and the Massachusetts medical assistance program. The council shall report annually on or before December 31 to the commissioner any recommended changes to the department's regulations or policies that would facilitate the medical evaluation process and recruitment of necessary personnel.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth
Chapter 18b - Department of Social Services
Section 2 - Services Enumerated
Section 3 - Functions of Department; Area-Based Service Programs
Section 4 - Payment for Services
Section 5 - Federal Requirements; Additional Services; Inspection of Records
Section 6 - Commissioner; Appointment; Qualifications; Salary
Section 6a - Foster Care Review Unit; Director
Section 7 - Commissioner; Powers and Duties
Section 8 - Deputy Commissioner; Appointment; Qualifications; Duties; Salary
Section 9 - Assistant Commissioners; Appointment; Qualifications; Salary
Section 10 - Legal Counsel; Staff Personnel
Section 11 - Regional Offices; Directors
Section 13 - Area Boards; Members; Appointment; Terms
Section 14 - Area Boards; Selection Committee; Lists of Prospective Members; Approval; Appointment
Section 15 - Area Boards; Powers and Duties
Section 16 - Statewide Advisory Council
Section 17 - Centers for Children and Families
Section 18 - Trust Funds; Investment Deposits; Expenditures
Section 19 - Unclaimed Money of Former Wards; Annual Pay Over to State Treasurer; Disposition
Section 20 - Funds; Advancement and Disbursement; Reports
Section 21 - Adoption Subsidy Program
Section 22 - Adoption and Medical Assistance for Interstate Children; Interstate Compacts