Summary of Bill S 133: An Act Relative to Child Fatality Review

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 133 aims to establish a comprehensive framework for reviewing child fatalities and near fatalities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The primary goal is to reduce the incidence of preventable child deaths by creating state and local child fatality review teams that will analyze cases, identify causes, and recommend policy changes.

Key Provisions

Establishment of Review Teams

• State Child Fatality Review Team:

  • Created within the Office of the Child Advocate.
  • Members include representatives from various state departments, law enforcement, and medical professionals.
  • Co-chaired by the Child Advocate and the Commissioner of Public Health.

• Local Child Fatality Review Teams:

  • Established in each district.
  • Chaired by the local district attorney and includes medical and law enforcement representatives.

Responsibilities

• State Team:

  • Develops investigative protocols and data collection methods.
  • Provides training and resources to local teams.
  • Analyzes community involvement in child fatalities and near fatalities.
  • Issues annual reports with findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Court.

• Local Teams:

  • Collects information on fatalities and near fatalities.
  • Promotes inter-agency cooperation.
  • Advises the state team on local issues affecting child safety.

Definitions

• Child: A person under the age of 18.
• Fatality: The death of a child.
• Near Fatality: A serious or critical condition of a child as certified by a physician.

Impact

This bill will affect:
- Children and Families: Aimed at improving child safety and reducing preventable deaths.
- State and Local Agencies: Enhanced collaboration and data sharing among agencies involved in child welfare and law enforcement.
- Healthcare Providers: Increased focus on child health and safety protocols.

Procedural Aspects

• Introduced: February 27, 2025.
• Current Status: Accompanied a new draft (S2659) as of November 3, 2025.
• Hearing Scheduled: May 13, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
• Committee Referral: Referred to the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Conclusion

Bill S 133 represents a significant step towards enhancing child safety in Massachusetts by establishing structured reviews of child fatalities and near fatalities. Through the collaboration of various stakeholders, the bill seeks to identify systemic issues and implement effective strategies to prevent future tragedies.