Mass. General Laws c.119 § 29E

Department-issued notice to child's or young adult's counsel

This is an unofficial version of a Massachusetts General Law.

Updates

• Added by St. 2026, c. 179, § 49, effective November 4, 2026
• Amended by St. 2026, c. 179, § 50, effective November 4, 2027

(a) (effective November 4, 2026)

Not later than 3 business days after a non-emergency change in a child’s or a young adult’s placement or any non-emergency hospitalization, the department shall provide notice of the change in placement or hospitalization to the child’s or the young adult’s counsel.

(b) (effective November 4, 2026)

Not later than 1 business days after any emergency change in a child’s or a young adult’s placement or any emergency hospitalization, the department shall provide notice of the change in placement or hospitalization to the child’s or the young adult’s counsel.

(c) (effective November 4, 2026)

Not later than 3 business days after receipt of a report under section 51A, the department shall provide notice to a child’s counsel if it receives a report under section 51A and the child is the subject of the report.

(d) (effective November 4, 2026)

Not later than 1 business day after the department receives a report under section 51A that raises substantial questions regarding the suitability of the child’s or young adult’s current placement or any of the child’s or young adult’s service providers, the department shall provide notice to a child’s counsel or a young adult’s counsel.

(e) (effective November 4, 2026)

The department shall provide notice to a child’s or young adult’s counsel within 3 business days whenever the department becomes aware of: (i) the child or young adult being arrested; (ii) the child’s or young adult’s involvement in any proceeding under this chapter or any criminal investigation or proceeding; (iii) the child or young adult being suspended or expelled from school; or (iv) the child or young adult being the subject of any proceeding regarding their suspension or expulsion from school.

(f) (effective November 4, 2026)

The department’s attorney portal shall provide timely automated notifications not later than 1 business day for all events pursuant to subsections (a) and (b).

(f) (effective November 4, 2027)

The department’s attorney portal shall provide automated notifications not later than 1 business day for all events pursuant to subsections (a) to (d), inclusive.

Last updated:	August 6, 2026