Executive Order  No. 76: Establishing a Governor's Commission on Adoption and Foster Care, and defining its powers and duties

WHEREAS, the rapid placement of children in need of adoption or foster care is of vital importance to the physical, mental and moral health of the youth of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, there exists uncertainty with regard to the legal status of those persons affected by the procedures relating to adoption and foster care; and

WHEREAS, there is need to coordinate the efforts of all public and private agencies and citizens concerned about problems associated with adoption and foster care;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Francis W. Sargent, Governor of the Commonwealth, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Supreme Executive Magistrate, do hereby order as follows:

1. There is hereby established a commission to be known as the "Governor's Commission on Adoption and Foster Care" to consist of not more than thirty-five persons appointed by the Governor, including the Commissioners of Public Welfare and Youth Services and other members representing, among others, the following segments of the community: the clergy, the judiciary, the legislature, the bar, social service professionals in the field of child care, and parents with adopted children. The Governor shall select a chairman and an executive director from among the members.

2. The Commission shall:

(a) identify important problems in Massachusetts statutes relating to adoption and foster care;

(b) evaluate existing procedures relating to adoption and foster care; and

(c) from time to time make specific recommendations for change in statutes or procedures to the Governor and the General Court.

3. The Commission shall meet at regular intervals in public or executive session and may hold hearings or meetings in various parts of the Commonwealth.

4. The Commission may, with the approval of the Governor, hire an appropriate staff within the limits of any appropriated monies that may be available therefor.

5. The Commission may form subcommittees from its own members and may call upon persons from outside its membership for research and recommendations related to the functions of the Commission.

6. The Commission shall receive the cooperation of all state departments and agencies in carrying out its responsibilities.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston this 31st day of August in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and seventy and of the Independence of the United States of America, one hundred and ninety-third.

FRANCIS W. SARGENT

Acting Governor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

JOHN F. X. DAVOREN

Secretary of the Commonwealth