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Bill

SD 2759

Department of Children and Families (DCF) Fair Hearing Report FY24 Report

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts DCF must report on fiscal 2024 fair hearing statistics, documenting case volume, outcomes, and procedural timelines for families appealing agency decisions.

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Bill Summary · SD 2759

Legislative bill overview

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families to produce a comprehensive annual report on fair hearings conducted during fiscal year 2024. The report would document the number of hearings held, outcomes, timelines, and other procedural metrics related to DCF's administrative appeal process for families disputing agency decisions.

Why is this important

Fair hearings are a critical due process mechanism allowing families to challenge DCF decisions affecting child custody and services. Transparent reporting on these hearings provides accountability, identifies systemic delays or disparities, and helps policymakers and advocates understand whether the appeals process is functioning equitably and efficiently.

Potential points of contention

  • Data scope and detail: Disagreement over what specific metrics should be included (e.g., case outcomes by demographic groups, attorney representation rates, appeal success rates) and how granular the data should be
  • Resource burden: DCF may argue that compiling comprehensive hearing data diverts resources from direct child welfare services
  • Privacy concerns: Questions about how to balance transparency with protecting sensitive information about families and children involved in proceedings
  • Legislative intent: Whether this is a one-time report or establishing an ongoing annual reporting requirement, which affects long-term agency obligations

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

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