MA H233

Creates new Chapter 220A in Massachusetts General Laws establishing the Massachusetts Children's Alliance as a body politic and corporate to provide funding, training, technical assistance, and accreditation oversight for children's advocacy centers statewide

Defines children's advocacy centers as child-focused, trauma-informed facilities where multidisciplinary teams (law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical, and victim advocacy professionals) collaborate to respond to child sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, and exploitation cases

Requires centers to meet 11 operating standards including culturally sensitive services, neutral forensic interviews that are electronically recorded, access to medical and mental health services, formal case review processes, and child-friendly settings

Mandates that multidisciplinary teams include representation from the children's advocacy center staff, law enforcement, district attorney's office, and Department of Children and Families

Authorizes the Alliance to contract with state and federal entities and receive and disburse funds and grants to support children's advocacy centers in meeting local, state, and national requirements