Building Safe Communities

People should feel safe where they live, work, learn, and play. In partnership with other Massachusetts state agencies, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) builds safe communities—places that residents across all geographies and populations call "home."

EOHHS's role in building safe communities includes prevention and intervention components. Whenever possible, we prevent violence, abuse, and neglect before they occur by offering programs focused on promoting positive youth development and preventing domestic violence and child abuse. We also intervene to protect vulnerable populations, including children, elders, and individuals with disabilities, and support individuals impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. In addition, EOHHS plays a significant role in the Commonwealth's emergency preparedness efforts, such as preparing the Commonwealth to respond to epidemics.

Focus Areas

To ensure the positive development of all youth, we make sure that kids in our care are in safe and stable environments. In addition, we offer youth violence and teen pregnancy prevention programs to communities across the Commonwealth.

We are responsible for investigating allegations of abuse and neglect. We intervene, when needed, to prevent and stop maltreatment of children, elders, and individuals with disabilities.