Amendment #2 to H4644

Establish Veteran Family Liaison Units within DCF

Mr. Kearney of Scituate moves to amend the bill, as amended, by inserting after SECTION 4 the following section:-

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SECTION 5. Chapter 18B of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 6B the following section:- Section 6C.

(a) The department shall establish, within each of its regional offices, a Veteran Family Liaison Unit. Each unit shall be staffed by personnel with specialized knowledge of military culture, veteran benefits, and trauma-informed care.

(b) Each Veteran Family Liaison Unit shall be responsible for:

(1) identifying cases involving veteran or military-connected families at intake and throughout the case lifecycle;

(2) serving as a liaison between the department, the Department of Veterans’ Services, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and other relevant veteran-serving organizations;

(3) facilitating access to veteran-specific resources including, but not limited to, mental health services, housing assistance, substance use treatment, and parenting programs; and

(4) assisting in case planning and service delivery that incorporates an understanding of the unique challenges faced by veterans and military families.

(c) The department shall provide training to relevant staff to support the effective operation of these units and may promulgate regulations to carry out the purposes of this section.

(d) The implementation of this section shall be subject to appropriation.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #2 to H4644

Establish Veteran Family Liaison Units within DCF