MA H8

Creates an "electronic backpack" system—a digital repository to store and transfer educational records for children in Department of Children and Families (DCF) care or young adults with voluntary placement agreements

Required records include transcripts, attendance records, grade-level performance, IEPs, educational decision-maker contacts, legal guardian information, school nurse/counselor visit notes, and best interest determination meeting notes

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must develop the system in consultation with the Office of the Child Advocate and DCF, with implementation required within one year of passage

Records must be accessible to authorized educational decision-makers, the child's teachers and school district, persons authorized for medical consent, and medical providers when necessary for care

Department must collaborate with DCF to develop policies ensuring foster children's needs are met in every school district across Massachusetts