2006 Massachusetts Code - Chapter 18B — Section 3. Functions of department; area-based service programs.

Section 3. The department shall establish a comprehensive program of social services at the area level and to promote such program shall divide the commonwealth into regions and areas consistent with those established by the secretary of health and human services as provided in section sixteen of chapter six A.

(A) In order that the area-based social services be adapted, organized and coordinated to meet the needs of certain population groups, the department shall provide programs of service for:

(1) families, children and unmarried parents, which program shall, among other objectives, serve to assist, strengthen and encourage family life for the protection and care of children, assist and encourage the use by any family of all available resources to this end, and provide substitute care of children only when preventive services have failed and the family itself or the resources needed and provided to the family are unable to insure the integrity of the family and the necessary care and protection to guarantee the rights of any child to sound health and normal physical, mental, spiritual and moral development.

(2) the aging and other adults in need of social, legal, health, rehabilitation, employment, or other services.

(3) other population groups which require special adaptation of the services provided because of special needs.

(B) The department shall:

(1) formulate the policies, procedures and rules necessary for the full and efficient implementation of programs authorized by the laws of the commonwealth and federal laws in the area of social services;

(2) administer the services, funds and personnel necessary for such social service programs throughout the commonwealth;

(3) establish and enforce high standards of social service and strive to elevate such standards;

(4) provide the range of social services on a fair, just and equitable basis to all people in need of such services;

(5) collaborate with other departments of the commonwealth which are in fields related to social welfare and with voluntary or private agencies or organizations to assure efficient and high-quality social and educational services for persons who are unable for social or economic reasons to provide such services for themselves;

(6) study the social and economic problems in the commonwealth, and make recommendations to the appropriate branches and agencies of government for broadening and improving the scope and quality of social services.