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HD 386

An Act to keep siblings together in foster care

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry and 3 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill requiring DCF to place foster care siblings together when safe and feasible, prioritizing family unit preservation during state custody.

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Bill Summary · HD 386

Legislative bill overview

HD 386 requires the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) to make reasonable efforts to place siblings in the same foster care setting when children enter state custody. The bill prioritizes sibling placement as a policy goal while allowing exceptions when placement together would be contrary to a child's safety, welfare, or best interests as documented in case files.

Why is this important

Research demonstrates that maintaining sibling relationships during foster care placement improves emotional outcomes, reduces behavioral issues, and facilitates more successful family reunification. Currently, siblings are frequently separated in the foster system due to bed availability, caseworker capacity, or lack of explicit policy prioritization, potentially causing additional trauma to children already experiencing family disruption.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Expanding foster care placements to accommodate sibling pairs may require increased state funding, training, and recruitment of foster families willing to accept multiple children
  • Practical limitations: Not all foster families can accommodate sibling groups due to age gaps, special needs, or capacity constraints; the bill's "reasonable efforts" standard may be difficult to enforce and define consistently
  • Case-by-case exceptions: The "best interests" exception clause could be interpreted broadly, potentially allowing separations that prioritize convenience over genuine safety concerns, creating inconsistent application across regions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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