MA H294

Out-of-home care facilities (foster homes, child care centers, group residential care) must install surveillance cameras in all public spaces within 2 business days when a Section 51B abuse investigation is initiated against a state employee or licensed foster parent

DCF social workers must wear body-worn cameras when entering out-of-home facilities during abuse investigations and during any emergency child removal process; consent is required for recording in private homes of biological parents

DCF must provide every foster child age 10 and older with a cell phone and all foster children with medical alert devices containing essential health information, along with mandatory training on device use

Foster children in DCF custody must receive comprehensive annual medical evaluations to help identify potential abuse and maltreatment

Non-compliance with the act's provisions may result in waiver of immunity for DCF or facility operators