Department of Social Services

Web Site:

www.mass.gov/dss

Organization Chart

Mission:

The Department of Social Services' 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.

Governing Laws:

Statutes

MGL C. 18B S. 1-22

Department of Social Services

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

MGL C. 112 S. 135-135A

Social Worker Privilege

Regulations

110 CMR

Department of Social Services