Massachusetts Senate Bill S120

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

To eliminate disproportionality and inequities for at-risk children

Impact

The bill impacts existing legal frameworks by amending Chapter 18C of the General Laws of Massachusetts. This amendment requires state child-serving entities to assess involvement and outcomes for various demographic groups, thus ensuring accountability in the services provided to children. The child advocate will produce annual reports, detailing the effectiveness and inclusivity of these services, and this data will be vital for shaping child welfare policies across the Commonwealth.

Summary

Bill S120, titled 'An Act to eliminate disproportionality and inequities for at-risk children,' seeks to address the disparities in treatment and opportunity encountered by at-risk youth within Massachusetts. The bill introduces new definitions for 'disproportionality' and 'inequity,' focusing on varied demographic categories such as race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. It mandates the collection and reporting of statistical data to analyze how children from different backgrounds interact with state-run services, aiming for greater transparency and insight into systemic issues affecting these populations.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding S120 may arise from debates over the definition of 'disproportionality' and its implications for how state entities operate. There may be concerns about the adequacy of data collection processes and whether they sufficiently capture the nuanced experiences of all demographic groups. Critics may question how the bill's framework will be implemented in practice and whether it adequately addresses the root causes of inequity, or if it merely catalogues existing disparities without leading to tangible change.