Past Felonies Could Restrict Mass. Foster Parents

State lawmakers are seeking to restrict licensing of foster parents who have felony convictions.

The Massachusetts Senate on Thursday approved a measure that would put a six-month moratorium on the placement of any child with a foster parent who has been convicted of a felony. It would not apply if the agency explains why the placement is needed and assures that the child is not in danger.

The House on Wednesday backed a separate measure that would ban the Department of Children and Families from placing children with foster parents convicted of a violent crime. The ban would be in place at least until the Child Welfare League of America completes a review of DCF.

The Republican-sponsored amendments were tacked on to a spending bill moving through the Legislature.