SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, annually, not later than October 31, the department of children and families shall submit a report on children and families involved with the department in connection with substance use or misuse to the child advocate, the commissioner of the department of public health, the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the house and senate committees on ways and means and the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities. The report shall be made available to the public electronically in accordance with section 19 of chapter 66 of the General Laws. The report shall include, but not be limited to: (a) the number and percentage of children and youth in the care and custody of the department due to substance use or misuse shown since the fiscal year that the intake policy required the collection of this information for (i) the entire department; and (ii) each regional office.

The department of children and families shall consult with the department of public health on information and data relevant to services that the department of public health provides to families involved with the department of children and families. The department may satisfy the reporting requirements of this section by providing the requested information in a larger annual report filed with the above parties.

SECTION 2. Section 1 is hereby repealed.

SECTION 3. Section 2 shall take effect on December 31, 2025.