Bill
LC 483
Overview: LC 483, Provide for state oversight of court appointed special advocates (CASA), (LC) Draft Died in Process, Introduced: October 04, 2024, Subject: Family Law (see also:
Overview: LC 483, Provide for state oversight of court appointed special advocates (CASA), (LC) Draft Died in Process, Introduced: October 04, 2024, Subject: Family Law (see also: Minors), Minors (see also: Family Law)
Purpose and Intent: This bill aims to establish state-level oversight and regulation of court-appointed special advocates (CASA) programs in Massachusetts. CASA programs provide volunteer advocates to represent the best interests of children involved in the child welfare system.
Key Provisions:
- Requires the Department of Children and Families to develop and implement standards and guidelines for CASA programs
- Mandates the registration and certification of all CASA programs operating in the state
- Establishes training and qualification requirements for CASA volunteers
- Provides for the monitoring and evaluation of CASA program performance
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Children and families involved in the child welfare system who may benefit from CASA representation
- CASA programs and their volunteer advocates, who would be subject to state oversight and regulation
- The Department of Children and Families, which would be responsible for developing and enforcing the new CASA program standards
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
- This bill was a legislative draft that died in the process, indicating it did not advance to a formal bill introduction and legislative consideration.
- If reintroduced, the bill would need to go through the full legislative process, including committee hearings and votes, before potentially becoming law.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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