Change In DCF Leadership An 'Opportunity,' Union Says

The union that represents Massachusetts social workers says the resignation of former Department of Children and Families Commissioner Olga Roche represents a "critical opportunity" to begin reforming the agency.

But union leader Peter MacKinnon said Tuesday that the agency still faces a worsening caseload crisis, communication barriers and outdated technology.

Gov. Deval Patrick said he accepted Roche's resignation because it was clear she no longer had the support of the public or many in her department.

Deputy Commissioner Erin Deveney will lead the department on an interim basis.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo, who'd been among those calling for Roche's resignation, said the change in leadership was a first step, but the agency remains in crisis.

Democratic candidates for governor Martha Coakley and Steven Grossman both issued statements saying Patrick was right to accept Roche's resignation.