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Office of the Child Advocate (OCA)

The OCA works to ensure Massachusetts state agencies provide children with quality services and that children receiving services are protected from harm. We work with families, legislators, social workers, and other professionals to improve state services for children and families.

New OCA Resource Websites

The OCA has recently launched two different resource websites:

HandholdMA

In partnership with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Department of Mental Health (DMH), the OCA recently launched HandholdMA.org, which provides free tools and resources for parents concerned about their children’s mental health. Learn more at https://handholdma.org/.

Juvenile Justice Data Website

Working with the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data (JJPAD) board and the Executive Office of Technology Services & Security (EOTSS), the OCA has launched an interactive juvenile justice data website that allows members of the public and researchers to explore the state’s juvenile justice system data. 

Juvenile Justice Data Website 

Contact Us

Office of the Child Advocate Logo

Address

One Ashburton Place, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02108
Directions 

Phone

Complaint Line (617) 979-8360
Main (617) 979-8374
Toll Free (866) 790-3690

All phone lines open M-F 9am-5pm

Online

Email childadvocate@mass.gov
Web Online Complaint Form 

Fax

(617) 979-8379

Who we serve

The OCA is an independent agency that serves children and families across the Commonwealth. Our goal is to ensure all children receive appropriate, timely and quality services. The OCA collects and analyzes data and makes recommendations to legislators and professionals to improve these services. We also take complaints and provide information to families who receive state services.

The Office of the Child Advocate is separate from the DCF Ombudsman’s Office. For more information: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/more-about-the-dcf-office-of-the-ombudsman. 

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, please see the Department of Children and Families for phone numbers and instructions:
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/report-child-abuse-or-neglect.

Please send all Public Records requests to Crissy Goldman at childadvocate@mass.gov. 

What would you like to do?

Top actions & services

OCA Complaint Line  OCA Reports and Investigations  OCA Resource Guide: Child-Serving State Agencies 

More actions & services

OCA Mission and Responsibilities  Additional Resources for Children and Families  OCA Advisory Council  Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board  Mandated Reporter Commission  Data Work Group 
See all actions & services 

Recent news & announcements

Speech

Messages from the OCA ~ June 19, 2020 

6/19/2020 Office of the Child Advocate

"The OCA reaffirms its commitment to promoting racial equity openly and actively in our work..."

See all news and announcements

Upcoming Events

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