Representative Xiarhos Supports Legislation to Protect
Children Receiving State Services and in Foster Care

October 22, 2025

BOSTON, MA. – State Representative Steven Xiarhos (R – 5th Barnstable) today supported legislation designed to improve communication and coordination among state agencies working with the families of children in foster care or receiving state services.

H4644, An Act Enhancing Child Welfare Protections, was given initial approval by the House today with a 159–1 vote. Representative Xiarhos said the omnibus bill streamlines the Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) reporting requirements, clarifying the role of the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA), and transferring the Child Fatality Review Team from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to the OCA.

One of the key components of the bill concerns streamlining DCF’s reporting requirements, of which Representative Xiarhos noted that DCF currently reports to multiple agencies on various topics, but would now only need to submit a single annual report by October 31 each year detailing the agency’s performance during the previous fiscal year. This report would be made available to the public.

According to Representative Xiarhos, information in DCF’s annual report will include information on:

  • Case counts, delineated by demographics, placement type, median placement length of stay, and rates of racial disproportionality;
  • Case processes and outcomes, including educational well-being outcomes, fatalities, and the rates and timeliness of medical and behavioral health services; and,
  • Operational overviews, including caseloads, staffing trends, the department’s budget, and details on any new or ongoing initiatives to improve practices, procedures, and policies.

To promote the educational well-being of children in DCF custody, H4644 establishes an education unit within the department to develop and oversee education policies for children in its care. DCF will also hire an education director to run this new unit.

Representative Xiarhos said the bill also clarifies the role of the Office of the Child Advocate, affirming that it will remain independent of any other executive office, state agency, or commission. The OCA will continue to focus on overseeing services provided to children, advising government officials, and recommending ways to improve those services. The bill also authorizes the OCA to request data from the Trial Court for research purposes and requires that critical incident reports include demographic information about the child involved.

During floor debate, the House adopted amendments to:

  • Establish a special commission to study the development of a digital education portfolio system to support the stability and well-being of foster children and youth in the Commonwealth, with a report due by November 30, 2026; and,
  • Add members to the Child Fatality Review Team, including the DCF chapter president or designee, along with other members selected by the co-chairs or a majority vote of the team for their relevant expertise.

“Protecting vulnerable children is one of the most important responsibilities we have as public officials,” said Representative Xiarhos. “This bill helps ensure that our state agencies are working together efficiently, sharing information, and doing everything possible to keep children safe, supported, and given the best opportunity to succeed. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to strengthen transparency and accountability in our child welfare system.”

H4644, as amended, now moves to the Senate for its consideration.

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