Child welfare services refer to services, including voluntary and in-home services, out-of-home care, case management, and adoption services, which strengthen, supplement, or substitute for, parental care and supervision for the purpose of preventing or remedying problems which may result in family conflict, neglect, or abuse, and providing adequate care for children away from their homes in foster homes, day care, or other child care agencies or facilities.  An  investigation into whether child abuse or neglect occurred, referred to as child protective services, is not considered a child welfare service.  
 
Caregivers caring for a child receiving child welfare services could include parents, relatives, or other suitable persons, foster parents, and group homes.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is to establish a caregiver communication specialist position within DCYF for the purpose of improving communication between DCYF and caregivers. The caregiver communication specialist is responsible for:

• developing policies for sharing appropriate and timely information with caregivers of children receiving welfare services; and
• supporting coordination between existing engagement teams, constituent relations, communications specialists, and child welfare field offices.

By October 1, 2025, DCYF is to submit a report to the Legislature and the Governor describing:

• how DCYF could implement an automated notification system that would provide electronic or telephonic notifications to caregivers regarding upcoming changes in placements for the child, court hearings, or other relevant and appropriate information;
• any statutory, policy, or funding changes need to accomplish creating an automated notification system; and
• recommendations regarding improving communications between DCYF and caregivers. DCYF is to consult with the caregiver communications specialist, current and former caregivers, and youth who received or are receiving child welfare services regarding these recommendations.