News Archive

On June 7, CLM provided oral and written testimony on new legislation introduced by Rep. Michael Finn, chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities (H.4787). This bill, An Act Enhancing Child Welfare Protections, includes: Updates to the role, duties, and powers ...

CLM recently sent to all candidates for Massachusetts Governor and Lieutenant Governor our memo with priorities for the next Administration for supporting children, youth, families, and providers. Some issues that we highlight include: Supporting family preservation through meeting basic family need...

On May 19, CLM held a legislative briefing to discuss the need for a Foster Parent Bill of Rights (H.212/S.87), to ensure that foster families are giving the training, resources, voice, and respect they need and deserve to carry out their important role in the foster care system. The briefing featur...

The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth released its annual report and recommendations for FY2023. This report includes special analysis on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Safe Schools for LGBTQ Students program, and inclusive education policy. It also outlines detailed recommendations ...

CLM member organization the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute recently released a new report "Family Voices: Insights about prevention services from families and youth directly affected by the Massachusetts Child Welfare system." The report includes direct testimonials from eight families on their ...

The Office of the Child Advocate released its investigative report on the case of Harmony Montgomery, including findings and recommendations for change across various agencies connected to the child welfare system. Harmony was declared missing by the New Hampshire authorities in December 2021. Anyon...

A new report from the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation unpacks the costs to our economy when workers lack access to child care, including lost wages totaling $1.7 billion. The report includes data on parents reducing working hours or leaving their jobs to care for their young children, presents tr...

CLM’s FY2023 budget agenda includes requests for investments in all facets of the broad system of child welfare: Family preservation and stabilization Human services workforce and provider capacity Transition-age youth Children's health, mental health, access to education, and more. We e...

We’re excited to announce the passage of CLM priority legislation Expanding Access to Adoption! The legislation now goes to Governor Charlie Baker for his signature. This legislation makes a technical change allowing kin to adopt their younger siblings, aunts, or uncles. Previously, only guardians...

The Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board, of which CLM is a member, released its annual report, describing work and areas of study by the JJPAD in 2021. These topics included: juvenile justice trends and data availability the impact of COVID-19 on the juvenile justice system and youth at risk of i...