Child Welfare

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Mass DCF

Information about the Department of Children and Families.  Includes general reference and policy information.  Focus is on DCF's effectiveness in meeting its mandate to try to keep children safely within their homes and families before considering other placements. 

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Latest Content

MLRI REPORT: Family Voices: Insights about prevention services from families and youth directly affected by the Massachusetts child welfare system

MLRI (Susan Elsen)

Federal Poverty Guidelines - 2023

MLRI
The charts below set forth the annual, monthly and weekly 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines (based on HHS thresholds).  In addition, the annual, monthly and weekly 115% of poverty, 125% of poverty,  187.5%, 200% of poverty and 300% of poverty amounts are listed. Finally, you…

In the Matter of SL, FH# 2017-0388

Antonia Chronis, Esq.
Reversed - DCF had reasonable cause to believe that the child has been neglected where the Appellant had a history of prostitution and substance use, displayed risky and impulsive behaviors, and expressed no desire to care for the children. In addition, Appellant left her children in the care of a…

In the Matter of JS, FH# 2018-0018

Laureen Decas
Affirmed - DCF had reasonable cause to find neglect when (1) a 9-year-old child witnessed physical violence between their parents; (2) the Appellant Father had a history of anger and grief-related issues; (3) the Appellant Father had been physically violent towards the child; and (4) both parents…

In the Matter of KM, FH# 2018-0398

Antonia Chronis, Esq.
Affirmed - DCF did not act abuse its discretion in determining the appropriate level of care for the child; even though the kinship family created an increased health risk by smoking in the presence of an asthmatic child and the birth mother wanted the child to stay with the Appellant. There is a…