We are thrilled to say that the Massachusetts Legislature has passed legislation to end requirements for healthcare providers to automatically report birthing parents to DCF for the use of prescribed medication for substance use disorder! The OCA has worked hard for years on this issue – beginning four years ago with our work chairing the Mandated Reporter Commission, which examined this problem -- and we are grateful for the bill’s passage. This legislation helps create a balanced approach to keeping children safe from abuse and neglect while supporting their parents in their recovery journey. We need to support those who are making healthy decisions for themselves and their children, and this bill helps do that. We thank the House and the Senate for their action on this critical issue. We hope this bill will be swiftly signed by the Governor and look forward to the day it is law.
Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate
Government Administration
Boston , Massachusetts 777 followers
The OCA is an independent agency that serves children and families across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
About us
The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) provides independent oversight of state services for children in order to ensure that children receive appropriate, timely and quality services, with a particular focus on ensuring that the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable and at-risk children have the opportunity to thrive. Through collaboration with public and private stakeholders, the OCA identifies gaps in state services and recommends improvements in policy and practice. The OCA also serves as a resource for families who are receiving, or are eligible to receive, services from the Commonwealth.
- Website
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https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-the-child-advocate
External link for Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate
- Industry
- Government Administration
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Boston , Massachusetts
- Type
- Government Agency
- Founded
- 2008
- Specialties
- Child Welfare , Juvenile Justice, Public Policy , Education , Child Fatality , Child Safety , Children with Disabilities , LGBTQ Youth , Justice-Involved Youth , Childhood Trauma , Children's Mental & Behavioral Health , Youth Suicide , Data, Child Sexual Abuse Prevention, Vulnerable Populations , Transition-Age Youth , and Child Maltreatment
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
One Ashburton Place
5th Floor
Boston , Massachusetts 02108, US
Employees at Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate
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Jean Clements
Office Manager at Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate
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Ari Fertig
Legislative and Communications Director
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Melissa Threadgill
Senior Director of Policy & Implementation at Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate
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Samantha Morton
Attorney | Health Justice Consultant | Non-Profit Leader | Interdisciplinary Research Partner
Updates
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We're #hiring a new Training and Curriculum Development Manager - Center on Child Wellbeing and Trauma in Boston, Massachusetts. Apply today or share this post with your network.
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In addition to today being Children's Day, November is also #NationalAdoptionMonth, in which we renew our commitment to creating a bright future for all the children and youth waiting to be adopted and recognize the individuals who make a difference in their lives! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dQpWhF7g
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We want to make sure mandated reporters have the information they need to make quality reports. That’s why we have a training for mandated reporters – now available in Spanish – to help. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eD-m25Ue
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Everyone deserves a support system and access to the resources they need to thrive. This #WorldMentalHealthDay, check on your loved ones and be honest with them about how you’re feeling, too. Every open conversation brings us closer to removing stigma. #WorldMentalHealthDay2024
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The Office of the Child Advocate is growing yet again! We are hiring for not one, but two jobs! Technical Assistance Manager: https://lnkd.in/eucgeMMM Technical Assistance Specialist II: https://lnkd.in/ePptPTXV Know anybody who is a fit? Share this with your networks!
Technical Assistance Manager
massanf.taleo.net
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We are pleased to announce the launch of a new training program: the Trauma and Racial Equity Empowerment Academy (TREE)! The OCA’s Center on Child Wellbeing and Trauma has designed this program, in partnership with the Department of Youth Services, for state employees to support trauma responsive and racially equitable practices across the Commonwealth. This program is open to state employees at child-serving state agencies and JDAI community partners by application only. Learn more, share with your networks, and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eYCKPfGi
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Did you know it's #ChildPassengerSafetyWeek? Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injuries among children in the US. Make sure your child is properly buckled up in a car seat, booster seat, or seatbelt appropriate for their age & size. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eD_yt9Ad
Child Passenger Safety
cdc.gov
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We're proud to partner with Roca on programs aimed at breaking multigenerational cycles of child welfare system involvement. Together, we’re helping young mothers build brighter futures. Check out this great piece from WBUR all about Roca's work: https://lnkd.in/eN6q-f3e
Chelsea program focuses on protecting young mothers from violence
wbur.org