Mass. Gen. Laws » Part I Title XVII Chapter 119
Massachusetts General Laws

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 119, § 32 (2026)

Placement of children in private families; screening under early and periodic screening, diagnostic and treatment standards and assessment for behavioral health symptoms and sequelae; individualized health care plan

✓ current as of July 2026
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Section 32. Children in the care or custody of the department shall be placed in private families; provided, that any child who upon examination is found to be in need of special care, treatment or education may, if it is found by the department to be in the best interest of the child, be placed in a public or private institution or school, the primary purpose of which is the special care, treatment or education of children. The reasons for the placement of any such child shall be entered in the records of the department.

The department shall ensure that every child, upon entry into the foster care system, shall be screened and evaluated under the early and periodic screening, diagnostic and treatment standards established by Title XIX of the Social Security Act and assessed for behavioral health symptoms and sequelae, including those related to the precipitating factors of their entry into care, unless the child has been screened and evaluated within 30 days prior to the child's entry into the system; provided, however, that each child with identified behavioral health needs shall be provided appropriate referrals to related professionals to conduct more comprehensive diagnostic assessment, prescribe treatment and ensure the behavioral health and trauma-related needs of such child are addressed in a timely manner.

A medically needy child who is in foster care, whether specialized or other type of care as provided by the department or its agents, may not be placed in another foster home or other placement without an individualized health care plan that is unique to the child's health care needs; provided, however, that in an emergency due to abuse or neglect, the child may be removed without a plan. The plan shall include, but not be limited to: a description of the specific health care needs of the child and specific treatment and services necessary to meet those needs; identification of health care agencies or personnel or other professionals who may conduct transitional training on the child's health care needs for the subsequent foster parents or other placement or the family to whom the child will return. The department shall also provide to the subsequent foster parents or other placement or to the family to whom the child will return information on health care resources available and health care and other personnel whose services are required by the child.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 6 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1980–2026 · leading case: Connor B. Ex Rel. Vigurs v. Patrick, 771 F. Supp. 2d 142 (D. Mass. 2011).
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Connor B. Ex Rel. Vigurs v. Patrick, 771 F. Supp. 2d 142 (D. Mass. 2011). · cites it 5× “Specifically, Plaintiffs assert rights to (a) “placement of children in private families; early and periodic screening, diagnostic and treatment standards; [and] individualized health care plan[s]” under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 119, § 32 ; (b) a “medical passport” under 110 Code…”
Commonwealth v. Nassar, 406 N.E.2d 1286 (Mass. 1980). “See G. L. c. 119, §§ 32, 51B. In September, 1977, the respondents received instructions to abandon Joshua; probably they had some expectation that he would be picked up and cared for by strangers.”
Care & Prot. of Thomasina, 915 N.E.2d 569 (Mass. App. Ct. 2009). “” G. L. c. 119, § 32, as appearing in St. 1954, c.”
Connor B. ex rel. Vigurs v. Patrick, 985 F. Supp. 2d 129 (D. Mass. 2013). “” Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 119, § 32 . EPSDT services are manifold: among others, they include regular pediatric preventive healthcare visits, physical and nutritional assessments, and developmental and behavioral screening.”
Care & Prot. of Isaac, 646 N.E.2d 1034 (Mass. 1995). “” G. L. c. 119, § 32 (1992 ed.). General Laws c.”
In the Matter of an Impounded Case (Mass. 2026). “119, § 24, and thus only the Juvenile Court may commit children to the custody of DCF in such proceedings, see G. L. c.”
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