Press Release  Lieutenant Governor Driscoll Visits Harbor Area Family Resource Center to Recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month

Chelsea — Today, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll visited the Department of Children and Family's Harbor Area Family Resource Center (FRC) in Chelsea where she presented the administration’s official proclamation declaring April Child Abuse Prevention Month. The visit highlighted the important role that Family Resource Centers play in supporting families and preventing child abuse and neglect.  

Lieutenant Governor Driscoll toured the Harbor Area FRC during her visit and met with staff, families receiving services, and community partners and heard about the impact the Harbor Area FRC has made on the local community since its opening in 2023. The Lieutenant Governor encouraged families and organizations to join in the effort to prevent child abuse and neglect. 

“Every child in Massachusetts should grow up feeling safe at home and in their communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Family Resource Centers play an important role in our efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect. We’re grateful to the hardworking staff at Harbor Area FRC and Family Resource Centers across the state to keep children safe and support families.” 

“Preventing child abuse is about empowering families right from the start,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Family Resource Centers offer services to all families searching for guidance and support to help keep children safe.”

The Harbor Area Family Resource is one of 33 Family Resource Centers (FRCs) across the state. Operated by The Home for Little Wanderers, the Harbor FRC opened in 2023, serving 377 families in Chelsea, Winthrop, East Boston, and Revere. In 2024, it expanded its services to reach 1,102 families. 

“We have served more than 86,000 families since the opening of the first family resource center in 2015,” said Secretary Kate Walsh of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. “This is a critical service providing personalized, one-on-one support to empower families, ensuring that each unique need is met with compassion and care.”

“Our community partners and staff play an essential role in creating a welcoming space for families to feel seen and be heard,” said Lesli Suggs, president and CEO of The Home for Little Wanderers.

The Family Resource Centers are supported by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Department of Children and Families, serving as an essential lifeline to connect families with necessary support and resources to prevent child abuse and neglect. With trained staff, including clinicians, support workers, and school liaisons, each center offers services such as parent education programs and youth and parent support groups. The centers reflect the cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds of families in the communities they serve. Additionally, they assist families in navigating referrals to other organizations for further help.

For more information about Family Resource Centers and how to get involved or seek services, please visit www.frcma.org. 

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