Code of Massachusetts Regulations 110 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

26 Jun 2025 --
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Code of Massachusetts Regulations — 110 CMR: Department of Children and Families (DCF)

110 CMR establishes the rules and procedures for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. These regulations govern child protection, foster care, adoption, family services, licensing, and administrative procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of children.

Part 1 — General Provisions

Defines terms used throughout 110 CMR (e.g., “child,” “caregiver,” “foster parent”).

Establishes the scope of DCF authority and the purpose of regulations.

Sets standards for reporting child abuse and neglect.

Part 2 — Intake, Investigation, and Assessment

Procedures for receiving reports of child abuse or neglect.

Guidelines for screening, investigating, and assessing reports.

Risk assessment tools and safety planning procedures.

Requirements for documentation and case recording.

Part 3 — Case Planning and Service Delivery

Rules for developing individual service plans for children and families.

Family support services and intervention programs.

Placement planning, reunification efforts, and permanency planning.

Roles and responsibilities of social workers and service providers.

Part 4 — Foster Care and Placement Services

Licensing standards for foster homes and group care facilities.

Procedures for placement of children in foster care.

Requirements for training and support of foster parents.

Monitoring, case review, and record-keeping for placements.

Part 5 — Adoption Services

Procedures for adoption planning, approval, and supervision.

Standards for adoptive parent eligibility and home studies.

Post-placement and post-adoption services.

Legal procedures for finalizing adoptions.

Part 6 — Licensing and Regulation of Child Care and Residential Facilities

Licensing requirements for child care providers, residential programs, and group homes.

Health, safety, and staffing standards.

Inspection, monitoring, and corrective action procedures.

Renewal, suspension, and revocation of licenses.

Part 7 — Foster and Adoptive Parent Rights and Responsibilities

Outlines the legal rights of foster and adoptive parents.

Responsibilities regarding child care, reporting, and participation in case planning.

Procedures for grievance resolution and appeals.

Part 8 — Administrative Procedures and Hearings

Processes for administrative hearings and appeals related to DCF decisions.

Rules on confidentiality, notice requirements, and documentation.

Standards for fair hearings, evidence, and decision-making.

Part 9 — Records and Confidentiality

Rules for maintenance, access, and confidentiality of child welfare records.

Limits on disclosure and procedures for obtaining information.

Retention and destruction of records.

Part 10 — Miscellaneous Programs and Services

Procedures for specialized programs (e.g., family reunification, substance abuse services, domestic violence interventions).

Coordination with other state agencies and community providers.

Notes

Each part contains multiple sections specifying procedures, responsibilities, standards, and forms.

The regulations collectively ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children while defining DCF authority, staff responsibilities, and procedural safeguards.