Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 18b - Department of Social Services
Section 17 - Centers for Children and Families

Section 17. The department may establish centers for children and families in any facility owned or rented by the commonwealth other than state schools, hospitals or prisons, in any area if space is available or suitable for the purpose and shall, if feasible, locate these centers in a facility utilized by an agency of the commonwealth providing human services. If suitable space is not available, the department may acquire adequate space for such centers by renting, leasing or other available means. Each area shall be responsible for the delivery of services within its area. The centers shall be of sufficient number and so located as to be readily accessible to the people throughout the commonwealth.

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