Department of Social Services

The Department of Social Services is the Massachusetts state agency responsible for protecting children from child abuse and neglect. Allegations of sexual abuse and serious physical abuse are investigated in coordination with law enforcement and the District Attorney's office, thereby reducing the number of interviews and reducing the trauma to the victim. The DSS investigating social worker and ongoing social worker are key participants in the multidisciplinary team investigation. DSS is most often the agency that receives the initial concern reported by the child and contacts law enforcement and the District Attorney's office to initiate a team response.

The department aims to ensure the safety of children in a manner that offers the best hope of nurturing a sustained, resilient network of relationships to support the child's growth and development into adulthood.