Department of Social Services
Data Current as of: 10/29/2007

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MISSION

The Department's statutory mission is to direct its efforts first to the strengthening and encouragement of family life for the protection and care of children; to assist and encourage the use by any family of all available resources to this end; and to provide substitute care of children only when the family itself or the resources available to the family are unable to provide the necessary care and protection to insure the rights of any child to sound health and normal physical, mental, spiritual and moral development.

Web Site:

www://mass.gov/dss

Governing Laws:

Statutes

MGL C. 18B s. 1-22	Department of Social Services
MGL C. 112 s. 135-135A	Social Worker Privilege
MGL C. 119 s. 1-51G	Protection and Care of Children
MGL C. 201 s. 1-51	Guardians and Conservators
MGL C. 210 s. 1-14	Adoption of Children and Change of Name

Regulations

110 CMR

Department of Social Services