MA H1888

Amends Section 24 of Chapter 119 of Massachusetts General Laws governing emergency child custody orders in care and protection cases

Allows courts to issue emergency custody transfer orders for up to 72 hours when there is reasonable cause to believe a child is suffering from or in immediate danger of serious abuse or neglect

Requires courts to find that immediate removal is necessary to protect the child and that remaining in the home is contrary to the child's best interests before issuing emergency orders

Mandates courts consider potential short and long-term harms of transferring custody, including trauma caused by removing a child from their home, when assessing best interests

Permits custody transfers to the Department of Children and Families, licensed child care agencies, or other specified individuals