child abuse - NewBostonPost

Massachusetts

Child abuse rate in Massachusetts tops all states

BOSTON – Massachusetts had the highest rate of child abuse and neglect in the nation in 2014, with almost 31,900 cases reported, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The rate of abuse or neglect rose to 22.9 cases per 1,000

Charlie Baker

Baker rolls out plan to fix child welfare agency

BOSTON – With an independent investigation under way into the death of Bella Bond, the murdered child known for months as Baby Doe, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker on Monday rolled out a six-point plan to reform the Department of Children and Families. "DCF often struggles with mission confusion," Baker

Massachusetts

Probe of DCF case spurs call for more changes to protect children

Written by Katie Lannan STATE HOUSE — A report released Friday calls for a series of reforms at the Department of Children and Families based on its handling of the case of a 7-year-old Hardwick boy now in a coma after he was allegedly abused and starved by his father.

Auburn

Increased abuse reported among children in state care

Nearly 200 children in state care suffered abuse or neglect in 2014, according to the latest report released Tuesday by the Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate. In 2014, the office investigated 633 allegations of abuse or neglect, an 18 percent increase since 2013. This figure includes multiple allegations of