Dear CLM Members,
Thank you to all our members that were able to join us for this month's Member Meeting. For those who were unable to join (or just need a refresher!) this bulletin contains an overview of what we covered and useful links.
A recording of the meeting is available for CLM members: access recording.
Meeting Recap
We had an interesting discussion with a panel of provider staff and policy experts on multiple topics related to the needs of LGBTQ+ children and youth. Our hope is that this conversation helped spotlight best practices and challenges, outline the state and national policy landscape, and identify future places for action!
Thank you to our panelists Julian Nilsson, Kimberly Ritter, Lisa Belmarsh, Kati Mapa, and Shaplaie Brooks for providing their time and expertise.
We want to hear from you!
Please fill out this survey to help us learn more about important issues you want to discuss in future member meetings.
Resources from today's panel
- To view the speakers' contact information, click here.
- Read the MA Commission on LGBTQ Youth's annual recommendations here.
- U.S. Government Accountability Office's Report Foster Care: Further Assistance from HHS Would be Helpful in Supporting Youth's LGBTQ+ Identities and Religious Beliefs.
- The statewide LGBTQ+ Partners program offers a direct connection to experienced liaisons to assist youth and families. Learn more or connect with a liaison here.
- If you would like access to the "dialogue tree" for LGBTQ youth mentioned during today's meeting, please contact Lisa Belmarsh with DYS.
- Voices of Foster Care website is accessible here & their survey on foster care is available here to provide feedback. As mentioned in the meeting, there are currently only three respondents from MA.
State Budget
The Senate budget debate is taking place this week. Many CLM priorities are included in the budget amendments.
Take action! Click HERE to see our latest budget action alert.
Learn more! Click here to see CLM's chart of line items and how the Senate Ways & Means budget compares to Governor Baker's budget proposal, the House budget, and FY22 funding levels.
Foster Parents Bill of Rights Legislative Briefing
Our IFC Task Force hosted a Legislative Briefing on May 19th discussing the Foster Parents Bill of Rights. We heard from Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Representative Paul J. Donato, and several foster families from across Massachusetts.
You can view the webinar recording here.
Agency Updates
DMH
- DMH posted a Request for Information about the PACT-Y model. Responses are due June 6th. You can access the RFI here.
OCA
- The OCA recently released an Investigative Report on Case of Harmony Montgomery detailing findings and recommendations following a multi-system investigation into the case.
- There will be a new RFR to add two new Juvenile Justice Diversion sites coming soon.
- The OCA's complaint line is available at 617-979-8360. For more information about the complaint line or other contact options, click HERE.
- Organizations interested in partnering with the Center on Child Wellbeing & Trauma can contact Audrey Smolkin at audrey.smolkin@umassmed.edu
DYS
- Some program sites have closed due to staffing shortages, DYS is still feeling some COVID impacts in congregate care and focusing on vaccines.
- DYS is starting their vocational programs for teens soon.
DCF
- Commissioner Spears met with CLM board members last week to discuss the continuous workforce challenges in the provider community, recent and developing policy updates happening at the department, and the issuance of the new reunification policy.
- The updates to the Family Assessment and Action Plan Policy will be available soon.
- The support and stabilization RFR is projected to be released at the end of Summer. This RFR will put the new contracts for support and stabilization starting in Early 2023.
- The department is currently reviewing applications for the new position of LGBTQ Director.
EEC
- EEC will hold its quarterly Residential and Placement Town Hall on May 25th at 10am. Click HERE to join.