DCF Under Fire
Stories on the fallout at the state Department of Children and Families after the deaths of children under the agency's supervision.
Gov. Baker: DCF Policy Changes Helping, But More Work Needs To Be Done
"The job of improving how the state cares for its most vulnerable children is probably never done," the governor said.
Child Advocate Report Calls For More Reforms At DCF
A new report from the Office of the Child Advocate says while "considerable effort" has been made to reform the agency in the last year, there's more work to be...
Baker Announces Policy Changes For State's Embattled Child Welfare Agency
The policies address various issues raised in the wake of several tragic cases involving children who had some interaction with the embattled agency.
Work Of DCF Employee Involved With Bella Bond Case Being Examined
A report released this week found that caseworkers largely copied years-old information while assessing Rachelle Bond's ability to parent following allegations of abuse or neglect.
Report Finds DCF Prematurely Closed Bella Bond Neglect Cases
The report found DCF failed to properly assess Rachelle Bond's ability to parent -- particularly in light of her losing custody of her two other children in 2001 and 2006....
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Report Finds 'Blatant Lack Of Oversight By DCF' In Licensing Of Foster Home Where Toddler Died
The internal investigation into the case also revealed that the 2-year-old suffered from heat stroke, indicating "prolonged exposure to a high temperature environment."
Gov. Baker Announces Reforms For Embattled DCF
The reforms include a new intake process, a new supervisor policy and the reopening of the central Massachusetts regional DCF office.
Baker Says Work Continues To Improve DCF Protocols
In the wake of the death of another child who was at one point involved with the agency, Baker says his administration is prioritizing reworking the DCF's intake policy, which...
Girl Found Dead On Deer Island Identified As Bella, Mother And Man Face Charges
Two people are being charged in the "Baby Doe" case, including the girl's mother, Suffolk County DA Dan Conley announced Friday. The girl has been identified as Bella Bond.
Report: Caseload Overwhelms Child Welfare Agency
Overwhelming caseloads and ineffective management have set up DCF social workers to fail, according to a critical new review released Wednesday by the state's Child Advocate.
DCF Failed To Protect Hardwick Boy Allegedly Abused By His Father, Report Finds
"I would argue that this is a failure, systemically, of many of the players involved," Gov. Charlie Baker said.
Report Documents Abuse, Neglect Of Children In State Care
The annual report from the state's child advocate shows 184 children who were in the custody of DCF were the victims of supported allegations of mistreatment in 2014.
2-Year-Old Foster Child Laid To Rest As Probe Continues
Officials haven't said what killed Avalena and landed another young girl living in the home in the hospital.
Sister Defends Auburn Mother As Authorities Investigate Foster Child's Death
The foster mother was taking care of a 2-year-old girl, who died last weekend in what the mother's sister says was a "freak accident." The investigation is ongoing and no...
Hardwick Man Accused Of Starving And Beating His Son Is Ordered Held On Bail
A Hardwick man charged with beating and starving his 7-year-old son who is now in a coma will remain jailed pending a trial.
Investigators Search Auburn Foster Home Where Toddlers Were Found Unresponsive
A 2-year-old child died, and a second foster child, a 22-month-old girl, remains hospitalized in "dire" condition.
From Money To Morale, Challenges Still Seem To Face Mass. DCF
Executive Director of the Children's League of Massachusetts Erin Bradley discusses the state's embattled Department of Children and Families in the wake of another death of a child overseen by...
Lawmaker Who Led Last DCF Investigation Says Agency Needs More Money
Rep. David Linsky says the agency has made great progress since his report was issued last year, but that more funding is needed.
Officials Promise Thorough Investigation Into Death Of Auburn Foster Child, Injury To Another
So far, state human services officials have few answers about what happened to the 2-year-old girl found dead in a foster home or how a second child who lived there...
Baker Says Investigation Into Death Of Auburn Foster Child Is 'All Hands On Deck'
An autopsy on the 2-year-old has been completed, but officials say investigators have come to “no conclusions of any kind” in the ongoing probe.