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SD 3388

Children and Family Legal Representation Trust Fund 2025 Report

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Bill SD 3388 establishes a trust fund to enhance legal support for children and families at risk of separation, ensuring transparency and accountability in funding.

Placed on file
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Bill Summary · SD 3388

Summary of Bill SD 3388: Children and Family Legal Representation Trust Fund 2025 Report

Bill Number: SD 3388
Title: Children and Family Legal Representation Trust Fund 2025 Report
Status: Placed on file
Introduced: November 17, 2025
Classification: Proposed Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill SD 3388 aims to fulfill the reporting requirements established under Chapter 211D, Section 17 of the Massachusetts General Laws. This section mandates the establishment of the Children and Family Legal Representation Trust Fund, which is designed to support legal representation for children and families involved in legal proceedings, particularly those at risk of child removal. The bill serves to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the fund's activities and expenditures.

Key Provisions

  1. Establishment of the Trust Fund:

    • A separate fund known as the Children and Family Legal Representation Trust Fund is created.
    • The fund will receive revenue from:
      • State appropriations.
      • Federal reimbursements for legal representation under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act.
      • Interest earned on the fund's balance.

  2. Expenditure Authority:

    • The Chief Counsel of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) can expend funds without further appropriation for:
      • Pre-petition representation and advocacy.
      • Enhancing the quality of legal representation, especially in underserved communities.
      • Education advocacy.
      • Training and performance evaluations for legal advocates.
      • Multidisciplinary representation and expert involvement.
      • Modernizing data collection and billing systems.

  3. Annual Reporting:

    • The Chief Counsel must submit an annual report by November 1, detailing:
      • Sources and amounts of funds received.
      • Expenditures and their purposes, including any grants to early education and care programs.
      • Anticipated revenue and expenditure projections for the upcoming year.

Impact

  • Beneficiaries:

    • The fund primarily supports children and families involved in legal proceedings, particularly those facing potential separation due to child welfare concerns.
    • Legal aid organizations and advocacy groups across Massachusetts will benefit from increased funding and resources.

  • Funding and Expenditures:

    • In FY 2025, CPCS has allocated $7.57 million from the trust fund, including a $2.8 million contract to Community Legal Aid for civil legal support.
    • Anticipated revenue for the next calendar year is projected at $14 million, with expected expenditures of at least $8 million.

  • Programs Supported:

    • The Pre-Petition Representation Project, which provides legal and social support to families at risk of child removal, is a key initiative funded by the trust. This program employs multidisciplinary teams to assist families in stabilizing their situations and preventing separation.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on November 17, 2025, and has been placed on file, indicating it is not currently active but may be revisited in the future.
  • The CPCS is responsible for ongoing reporting and evaluation of the fund's impact and effectiveness in supporting families and children.

This summary provides an overview of Bill SD 3388, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the anticipated impact on families and legal representation in Massachusetts.

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

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