Office of the Child Advocate

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.

Contact Us

Address

Our office is currently not open to the public for in-person meetings. Please contact us by phone, email, or the Online Complaint Form. Thank you.

One Ashburton Place, 11th Floor, Boston, MA 02108

Directions

Phone

Complaint Line (617) 979-8360

Note: During the Covid-19 pandemic the OCA Complaint Line is receiving a high volume of calls and emails. If you contacted us and have not received a response after more than 3 business days, please call our main office number below.

Main Office (617) 979-8374

Toll Free (866) 790-3690

For all OCA phone lines our hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on State and Federal holidays)

Online

OCA 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.

Direct press inquiries to Melissa.Threadgill@mass.gov

Recent news & announcements

Press Release

OCA Releases Investigation Report on Case of Harmony Montgomery

5/04/2022 Office of the Child Advocate

The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) released findings and recommendations Wednesday following a multi-system investigation into the case of Harmony Montgomery.

Press Release

OCA Reveals Effective Implementation of Recommendations from the David Almond Child Fatality Investigation

3/24/2022 Office of the Child Advocate

New report reveals significant improvements in strengthening protections for the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable children

Press Release

New Reports Highlight Progress Made and Opportunities for Improvement in Massachusetts’ Juvenile Justice System

3/08/2022 Office of the Child Advocate

Fewer youth becoming involved with juvenile justice system, but action still needed to increase diversion and reduce racial and ethnic disparities
Press Release

OCA and DYS Launch Youth Diversion Initiative

12/09/2021 Office of the Child Advocate

OCA and DYS Launch Youth Diversion Initiative to Provide High Quality Alternatives to Arrest and Prosecution
Press Release

Office of the Child Advocate and UMass Chan Medical School Launch State Center on Child Wellbeing and Trauma

10/20/2021 Office of the Child Advocate

At the Center, experts will work with child-serving systems in Massachusetts to reduce trauma infliction and support children’s healing

See all news and announcements for the Office of the Child Advocate > Organization Sections > Content

Office of the Child Advocate (OCA)

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