Higher Education for Adopted Foster Children
S.826, An Act expanding access to higher education tuition and fee waivers for adopted foster children

A loophole in our financial aid system for adopted foster children blocks these children from using financial aid for courses taught at night or by outside experts with knowledge in their field. My bill (S.826, An Act expanding access to higher education tuition and fee waivers for adopted foster children) allows adopted foster students to use financial aid to pay tuition and fees for any course offered by a state institution of higher education.

Strengthen Foster Care
S.88, An Act establishing the Massachusetts foster care review office

Some 10,000 children are in placements outside their homes and in state custody due to complex issues facing their birth families. Foster care reviews are required every 6 months, to provide oversight and make sure that each child’s service plan is safe and appropriate. Currently, these reviews are performed by the state Department of Children and Families, which also oversees the system, creating a conflict of interest. My bill (S.88, An Act establishing the Massachusetts foster care review office) transfers responsibility for foster care review to a new external and independent body, the Foster Care Review Office, and allows for systemic issues to be raised and addressed.

Honor Foster Parents
S.87, An Act establishing a Foster Parents’ Bill of Rights

Foster parents provide care for children in custody of the Commonwealth. It is essential that the state respects the role they play. My bill (S.87, An Act establishing a Foster Parents’ Bill of Rights) creates a framework for foster parents to be treated with dignity, respect, and privacy and to be provided with resources and information needed to provide loving care. There is a shortage of foster families and these policies will lead to better retention and recruitment.