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Department of Children and Families - Other Matters 3

The Department of Children and Families Should Collaborate With the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth To Implement All Recommendations From Its Annual Report.
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Overview

The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth’s goal is to make policy recommendations to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Department of Public Health, and other government entities within the Commonwealth that support LGBTQ youth. The commission’s 2023 annual report19 included the following recommendations for DCF:

  1. Ensure thorough and accurate [sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI)] data collection through implementation of the new mandatory data elements and staff training.
  2. Create and follow a plan for additional phases of SOGI data collection.
  3. Report SOGI data in detail, in annual and quarterly reports.
  4. Ensure LGBTQ community representation in decisions regarding data collection and reporting.
  5. Release a comprehensive LGBTQ nondiscrimination policy
  6. Continue implementation of the Gender Affirming Medication Consent Policy
  7. Update the Family Resource Policy with LGBTQ-Inclusive Provisions
  8. Clarify Policy Regarding Placement Consistent with Gender Identity
  9. Continue Policy Collaborations with the Commission
  10. Update the LGBTQ Guide and ensure that all staff, providers, youth, and families know it exists and where to access a copy.
  11. Expand and require LGBTQ cultural humility training.
  12. Update and Improve the [Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting] Training
  13. Create a statewide database listing LGBTQ-affirming homes.
  14. Improve recruitment of LGBTQ affirming foster parents.
  15. Create Positions for LGBTQ Regional Specialists and Add or Adjust Other Staff Responsibilities to Promote LGBTQ Equity
  16. Promote Youth Rights and Voices

We asked DCF whether it had implemented these recommendations and it told us in an email on June 18, 2024,

DCF has been continuing to work towards implementing the recommendations of the Commission. As part of the recommendations, DCF has hired a Director of LGBTQIA+ Services and three Regional LGBTQIA+ Specialists. In addition, DCF meets regularly with the Massachusetts Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning Youth and requests their feedback on DCF initiatives. DCF and [this commission] also participate in an [Executive Office of Health and Human Services] workgroup that meets regularly to coordinate efforts on this topic.

Auditee’s Response

DCF appreciates the positive acknowledgement from the OSA.

Auditor’s Reply

Based on its response, DCF has taken steps to implement the commission’s recommendations.

19.    This Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth report is titled Report and Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2023.

Date published: November 7, 2024

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