Department of Children and Families (DCF) Proposed Amendments to Regulations

The following is a list of notices, by date of publication, for proposed DCF agency regulations.

All persons interested in submitting comments on the proposed regulations may do so in writing by the date indicated in the notice. Refer to the full notice for the mailing address for submitting comments. The Department of Children and Families is not required to respond to comments; however, all comments received by the date indicated in the notice will be reviewed and considered.

Notice is hereby given that the Department of Children and Families proposes to amend its regulations, 110 CMR 7.104: Standards for Licensure as a Foster/Pre-adoptive Parent, under the authority of M.G.L. c. 18B, § 7, and M.G.L. c. 119, § 37, and following M.G.L. c. 30A, §3.

The proposed amendment modifies 110 CMR 7.104(1)(d) to strike the requirement that a foster/pre-adoptive parent or applicant affirm a child’s sexual orientation or gender identity and replaces it with a requirement that a foster/pre-adoptive parent or applicant affirm a child’s individual identity and needs.

Individuals wishing to submit public comment may do so by sending comments to Thomas P. Weierman, Deputy General Counsel, Department of Children and Families, One Ashburton Place, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02108 or by email to [e-mail] on or before February 6, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.

Individuals wishing to review the current draft of the proposed amendments may find a copy at DCF Proposed Amendments to Regulations page or may request a copy in writing or in person from Office of the General Counsel, Department of Children and Families, One Ashburton Place, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02108 or by e-mail at [e-mail], or by calling [phone].

By order of the Department of Children and Families,
    
Staverne Miller, Commissioner