Massachusetts Approves Comprehensive Revisions to Residential Program Regulations
BOSTON — The Board of Early Education and Care voted to promulgate revisions to the state’s regulations governing residential programs, marking the first comprehensive update to these regulations in more than 30 years.
As proposed by the Healey-Driscoll administration, these changes promote a stronger workforce through improved requirements on staff professional development, including on trauma-informed and responsive care, cultural responsiveness, professional boundaries, and missing or absent children. The regulations also require staff training related to the prevention and identification of sexual abuse, grooming, and exploitation.
Further, the regulation changes improve child safety through policies regarding the use of surveillance cameras, align with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s updated regulations on seclusion practices, and require more comprehensive treatment plans that consider a child’s long-term goals, trauma history, culture or religion, LGBTQ+ identity, and behavioral needs. Residential programs are also required to share more information with their boards, such as EEC licensing reviews and investigations to improve accountability and transparency.
“These approved regulations promote safer, more inclusive and dignified residential program experiences for children and youth, centering their needs and well-being. We’re proud in Massachusetts to continue efforts that strengthen the residential program workforce and support children to succeed,” Secretary of Education Steve Zrike said. “I want to thank the Board of Early Education and Care for their partnership and support in this critical work.”
The revised regulations will take effect on Nov. 17.
“This milestone represents an important step forward in strengthening oversight, safety, and quality in our residential programs who serve children and youth with highly complex needs,” Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw said. “We are grateful to the providers, families, advocates, and community partners whose feedback and collaboration were invaluable, and we remain committed to strengthening support for both the workforce and the children they serve.”