By Ms. Khan of Newton, petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 104) of Kay Khan and others for legislation to provide for the protection and care of certain children born to incarcerated mothers.  Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PETITION OF:

Kay Khan

Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.

Douglas W. Petersen

William C. Galvin

Louis L. Kafka

Cory Atkins

Ruth B. Balser

David B. Sullivan

Gloria L. Fox

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In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.

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An Act providing for the protection and care of certain children.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1.  Section 23A of Chapter 119 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2004 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “child”, in line 11, the following words: -- ; provided, however, that every effort shall be made to keep infants of twelve months or less born to incarcerated mothers with their mothers.  If it is not possible for the child to remain with the mother, the care of the child will be taken care of through other arrangements.