Company Directory - Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
Company Details - Massachusetts Department of Children and Families

Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
WebsiteUnited States
A governmental agency that provides services to children and families in the state of Massachusetts, focusing on the welfare and safety of children to promote healthy family environments.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
-28.25
0.09%
Latest Event
DCF Detains Minors Amid ICE Abduction Incident
Amid a controversial ICE abduction in Worcester, Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families came under scrutiny for holding a 16‐year‐old and a 13‐year‐old, raising questions about due process and the treatment of vulnerable minors in politically charged immigration enforcement contexts.
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ACCOMPLICE
Massachusetts Department of Children and Families is currently rated as an Accomplice.
Latest Events
- MAY122025
Amid a controversial ICE abduction in Worcester, Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families came under scrutiny for holding a 16‐year‐old and a 13‐year‐old, raising questions about due process and the treatment of vulnerable minors in politically charged immigration enforcement contexts.
- AUG192024
The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families appointed Staverne Miller as its new commissioner on August 19, 2024. Known for her extensive experience in child welfare and commitment to addressing racial disparities within the system, Miller's appointment has been welcomed by some for promising a renewed focus on equitable practices, despite concerns from advocates over transparency and the potential for maintaining the status quo.
+40
Executive Political Engagement
May 12
Staverne Miller's appointment as commissioner is viewed as a progressive step due to her background in child welfare and her commitment to addressing racial disparities, indicating a move towards more inclusive and community-focused leadership. This action is seen as positive from an anti-fascist perspective given the focus on equity in a historically heavy-handed system.
- JUN262024
The documentary 'Broken' highlights systemic failures and a lack of accountability within the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, underscoring secretive child welfare proceedings that have had fatal consequences for vulnerable children.
-70
Public and Political Behavior
May 12
The documentary exposes a flawed and secretive child welfare system where lack of transparency and accountability has led to tragic outcomes. These systemic failures undermine protection for vulnerable children and marginalized communities, reflecting a negative impact on public trust and political responsibility.
'Broken' documentary exposes flaws in Massachusetts' child welfare system
- DEC312023
An audit by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s Office found multiple deficiencies in the Department of Children and Families' practices, including failure to secure court approvals for antipsychotic medications, incomplete documentation in the iFamilyNet system, and insufficient oversight of recommended psychosocial services and cybersecurity training. The report also noted areas for improvement in collaboration on human trafficking prevention and implementation of recommendations from the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth, while acknowledging the agency’s full cooperation and planned follow-up review.
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
May 12
The audit highlights serious ethical and operational failures in managing vulnerable populations, such as not obtaining necessary court approvals for administering antipsychotic medications and inadequate documentation of medical treatments. These shortcomings compromise the safety and proper care of children in protective custody, reflecting poorly on the agency's ethical responsibility to safeguard marginalized groups.
+20
Public and Political Behavior
May 12
Despite the identified shortcomings, the audit report notes the agency’s full cooperation with the audit team and its commitment to a six‐month follow-up review. Additionally, DCF’s willingness to collaborate with the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth and other agencies on high-risk issues reflects a proactive stance in addressing critical areas of concern.
- MAY022023
A federal lawsuit filed by parents alleges that DCF employees conducted an emergency removal of children in the middle of the night without proper documentation, raising serious concerns about constitutional due process and governmental overreach.
-60
Public and Political Behavior
May 12
The lawsuit claims that DCF employees removed children under conditions that lacked proper legal safeguards and documentation, reflecting an authoritarian overreach by state power. This episode raises alarm over civil rights violations and the unchecked use of emergency measures against families, warranting a strongly negative assessment in public and political behavior.
- FEB152023
A federal court ruled that the class action lawsuit challenging the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families’ systemic practices may proceed. The suit alleges that DCF has repeatedly failed to protect children in its custody from dangerous and unstable foster care environments, thereby violating their constitutional rights.
-60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
May 12
The lawsuit highlights significant ethical and operational failures within the Department of Children and Families, alleging that it routinely places vulnerable children in unsafe conditions. Such systemic neglect reflects poorly on the agency’s commitment to protecting human rights, thus meriting a negative score under Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility.
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Industries
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