Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 18b - Department of Social Services
Section 16 - Statewide Advisory Council

Section 16. There shall be a statewide advisory council which shall consist of one member from each area board, elected by the members thereof, to serve for a term of one year. Said council shall advise the commissioner in matters of statewide interest relating to the delivery of social services for children and families. At least one such member shall be a member from the financial or business professions with special fiscal or budgetary skill.
The council shall work to facilitate the medical evaluation process and recruitment of physicians, dentists and mental health professionals to medically screen and evaluate children newly admitted to foster care. To accomplish this goal the council shall consult with pediatricians, family practice physicians or a nurse practitioners, dentists, psychiatrists, psychologists or licensed independent clinical social worker therapists, the family and probate court, the juvenile court, and the Massachusetts medical assistance program. The council shall report annually on or before December 31 to the commissioner any recommended changes to the department's regulations or policies that would facilitate the medical evaluation process and recruitment of necessary personnel.

Structure Massachusetts General Laws

Massachusetts General Laws

Part I - Administration of the Government

Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth

Chapter 18b - Department of Social Services

Section 1 - Establishment

Section 2 - Services Enumerated

Section 3 - Functions of Department; Area-Based Service Programs

Section 4 - Payment for Services

Section 5 - Federal Requirements; Additional Services; Inspection of Records

Section 6 - Commissioner; Appointment; Qualifications; Salary

Section 6a - Foster Care Review Unit; Director

Section 7 - Commissioner; Powers and Duties

Section 8 - Deputy Commissioner; Appointment; Qualifications; Duties; Salary

Section 9 - Assistant Commissioners; Appointment; Qualifications; Salary

Section 10 - Legal Counsel; Staff Personnel

Section 11 - Regional Offices; Directors

Section 12 - Area Directors; Appointment; Qualifications; Duties; Plans; Budgets; Social Worker Qualifications

Section 13 - Area Boards; Members; Appointment; Terms

Section 14 - Area Boards; Selection Committee; Lists of Prospective Members; Approval; Appointment

Section 15 - Area Boards; Powers and Duties

Section 16 - Statewide Advisory Council

Section 17 - Centers for Children and Families

Section 18 - Trust Funds; Investment Deposits; Expenditures

Section 19 - Unclaimed Money of Former Wards; Annual Pay Over to State Treasurer; Disposition

Section 20 - Funds; Advancement and Disbursement; Reports

Section 21 - Adoption Subsidy Program

Section 22 - Adoption and Medical Assistance for Interstate Children; Interstate Compacts

Section 23 - Residential Care of Children; Annual Report

Section 24 - High-Risk Children; Racial Disproportion; Procurement of Services; Children Transitioning Out of System; Semi-Annual Report

Section 25 - Multiple 51a Reports; Quarterly Report