The Massachusetts Department of Children & Families serves to protect children from abuse and neglect while supporting families to create safe, nurturing environments. It investigates concerns, provides in-home support, and, when needed, oversees out-of-home care and adoption.

DCF offers a comprehensive range of child welfare and family support services, tailored to strengthen stability and safety.

• Child abuse and neglect investigation
• Family support and stabilization services
• Foster care and adoption assistance
• Adolescent services (e.g., independent living)
• Domestic violence intervention and referrals
• Housing stabilization support

DCF provides services across all of Worcester County and certain nearby towns statewide.

• Worcester city and county-wide
• Regional catchment includes both East and West Worcester offices

DCF serves children and families experiencing abuse, neglect, family instability, homelessness, or crisis situations.

DCF remains visible primarily through official channels and professional networks.

• Information on the Mass.gov site and local municipal platforms
• Referrals from hospitals, schools, and community providers
• Outreach via legal systems and child protection partners

DCF is funded through federal and state allocations and related service reimbursements.

• State budget via the Executive Office of Health and Human Services
• Federal funding under Title IV-B and IV-E programs
• Medicaid and other program-specific reimbursements

• Executive Office of Health & Human Services

• Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (ASL interpreter access)

• Local family courts, juvenile justice system, schools, and healthcare networks

Most Significant / Surprising Fact

DCF is mandated not only to investigate safety concerns but also to partner with communities to offer domestic violence, housing stabilization, and adolescent independent living services to support long-term family resilience.

Training Required for Staff Positions

Staff undergo child protection, trauma-informed care, and mandated reporter training

Experience and Education Required for Hiring of Staff

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field is common; relevant field experience preferred

Training Requirements / Opportunities for Staff

Ongoing professional development in family systems, crisis intervention, and assessment protocols

• Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (n.d.). DCF Worcester West Area Office. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.mass.gov/locations/dcf-worcester-west-area-office 
• Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (n.d.). DCF Worcester East Area Office. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.mass.gov/locations/dcf-worcester-east-area-office 
• Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (n.d.). DCF Language Access. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.mass.gov/dcf-language-access 
• Coming Home Worcester. (2022). Department of Children and Families – Worcester. Retrieved June 30, 2025, from https://www.cominghomeworcester.org/re-entry-services/department-of-children-and-families-worcester/