Under the law, DCF has to provide appropriate services to strengthen the families if the 51A is supported. This is the case whether the children are in your home or even placed out of the home; and services can include a wide variety of things; including counseling for you and your children; daycare; in-home services; parenting skills and things of that nature.

The Plan will describe services that you are supposed to receive and what you are expected to do along with DCF. It is important for you to understand exactly what is being asked of you, and at times a Service Plan can be used in court to show what you agreed to do and what you offered to do.

You do not have to agree to the Services; or you may be unable to participate in them. You do not have to sign it; or you can sign it in part or agreeing in part; and disagreeing in other parts; you can also negotiate it. You might be best served by contacting either a lawyer or someone who can help advocate on your behalf.