Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 18B, § 2

The department shall provide and administer a comprehensive child welfare program for children and families, including the following services:--

(1) casework or counseling, including services to families, foster families or individuals;

(2) protective services for children;

(3) legal services for families, children or individuals who are clients of the department;

(4) adoption services;

(5) information and referral services;

(6) foster family care for children and specialized foster family care for children with special needs;

(7) residential care for children with special needs who are not suited for foster family care or specialized foster family care;

(8) informal education and group activities;

(9) training in parenthood and home management for parents, foster parents and prospective parents;

(10) family services intended to prevent the need for foster care and services to children in foster care;

(11) temporary residential programs providing counseling and supportive assistance for families in transition and their children who, because of domestic violence, homelessness, or other situations, require temporary shelter and assistance;

(12) camping services;

(13) information and referral services;

(14) services for families and individuals in emergency and transitional housing;

(15) comprehensive youth development services;

(16) access to and coordination of medical, dental and mental health services for children in foster care whose families are receiving services from other state agencies; and

(17) child care placements for children whose families have an open case with the department.