§ 220A — Prevention of the practice of female genital mutilation

Section 220A. (a) The commissioner shall develop and administer a program of education for the prevention of the practice of female genital mutilation. The program shall be designed to provide information about the health risks and emotional trauma inflicted by the practice of female genital mutilation, as well as the criminal penalties for committing female genital mutilation.(b) The commissioner shall develop policies and procedures to promote partnerships between the department, agencies and political subdivisions of the commonwealth such as the department of elementary and secondary education, the department of children and families, the executive office of public safety and security, the office of the attorney general and other government entities and non-governmental organizations to prevent female genital mutilation and to protect and provide assistance to victims of female genital mutilation.(c) The commissioner shall make recommendations and develop procedures regarding strategies and methodologies for training providers of health services on recognizing the risk factors associated with female genital mutilation and the signs that an individual may be a victim of female genital mutilation.(d) The commissioner shall develop regulations to carry out this section and may, subject to appropriation, contract with non-governmental organizations, entities or individuals with experience working with victims of female genital mutilation to provide training and materials and other services as the department deems necessary.