We had an interesting discussion with Commissioner Spears on multiple topics related to the Department's support for children and families. These topics included:
- Overview of the DCF 2021 Annual Report and data points of interest, including
- Impacts of the pandemic on foster care youth and transition-aged youth" education, permanency, and ongoing support
- Racial equity and disproportionality
- The timeline of upcoming RFRs for Support & Stabilization, Family Resources Centers, and Lead Agencies
- How Massachusetts stacks up nationally, and some issues on the national agenda for child advocates
We are incredibly thankful for the Commissioner's time with us, and her commitment to ongoing conversation with our members.
Below are links to resources discussed during our meeting:
- For the latest updates on CLM's bills, visit our legislative advocacy page.
- To read the DCF 2021 Annual Report, click here.
- For more information on the State budget, visit our website.
- To read CLM's press release on the passage of the expanding access to adoption bill, click here.
- Funding to support youth experiencing homelessness and for homelessness prevention: Please visit our take action page.
- We will be attending the CWLA Conference this week, the items below are on our agenda to discuss with the federal delegation over the next week:
- Child Welfare Workforce
- Mental Health
- Child Tax Credit
Agency Updates
CAFL Complaint Form
If you are unhappy with your child's legal representation and want to file a formal complaint, you may submit the CAFL Complaint Form to the Children and Family Law Division office.
Please submit the form electronically to CAFLAttorney@publiccounsel.net. You may also mail the complaint form or submit a written complaint to the attention of:
Drew Don
CAFL Trial Panel Director
Committee for Public Counsel Services
75 Federal Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
An administrative staff member will contact you to discuss the complaint. This information is available on the CPCS website and can be found here.
COVID Impact Study Update for the CBHAC
The Children’s Behavioral Health Advisory Council, with the help of the Children’s Mental Health Campaign, are conducting a study in order to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to mental health services for children and families in the Massachusetts communities most impacted by the pandemic. They are looking to reflect the experience of youth under the age of 22.
Click here to download the survey outreach template. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Cat Quirion at cquirion@mspcc.org