We drive systemic change across the child welfare field.
We work to move the whole system forward by advocating for better policies and practices. To do this, we:
- Share data and analysis with decision-makers.
- Build alignment with cross-sector leaders and community members across Massachusetts.
- Elevate the insights of youth and families with lived experience in foster care.
HopeWell's Current Legislative Priorities
2025-2026 legislative session
H.235 / S.107
An Act to Establish a Bill of Rights for Children in Foster Care
Sponsors:
Representative Michael Finn & Senator Jo Comerford
This bill would codify the rights of children experiencing foster care into state law. It includes specific sections on safety and security; connection to family, community, and identity; healthcare and accessibility; education, employment, and social connections; resources and supports; and transition-age youth.
Our testimony begins around the 1 hour, 8-minute mark.
H.214 / S.118
An Act to Lift Kids Out of Deep Poverty
Sponsors:
Representative Marjorie Decker & Senator Sal DiDomenico
This bill would increase cash assistance grants for very low-income children and families by 20% each fiscal year until cash assistance grants equal 50% of the federal poverty line. The bill specifically targets Transitional Aid for Families with Dependent Children (TAEDC) and Emergency Aid for Elderly Disabled and Children (EAEDC).
H.268
An Act to Keep Siblings Together in Foster Care
Sponsors:
Representative Joan Meschino
This bill would prioritize siblings and/or half-siblings being placed together for any children entering foster care in Massachusetts. It would ensure DCF only separates siblings in instances in which they have already demonstrated to the courts that placing the siblings together is either not in the best interest of the children or not feasible. The bill would also ensure regular and timely court oversight of sibling placements and connections.
See Our Written Testimony
Review Our Oral Testimony
Watch the Hearing
PASSED
H.227 / S.105
An Act to Protecting Benefits Owed to Foster Children
Sponsors:
Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier & Senator Jo Comerford
This bill ensures children in foster care who are eligible for Social Security benefits due to a disability or the death of a parent have access to their full benefits, with unused funds conserved in designated savings accounts to use when they age out of care. The bill also mandates the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to provide financial literacy tools and resources to eligible youth and the relevant adults in their lives, to better support their ability to manage and maximize their benefits both during their time in foster care and as they transition into adulthood.
Our testimony begins around the 8-minute mark.
