In Massachusetts DCF is called the Department of Children and Families. It used to be called the Department of Social Services or DSS, and it is a state agency that has an obligation to protect children and troubled families.

DCF is obligated to investigate reports where a child might be at risk of neglect or abuse; and provide services to help families that are in trouble. DCF can also ask that you accept services as a condition of letting your children remain in the home. DCF can also go to court to get permission to remove children from their home; if DCF believes that the children are at risk for abuse or neglect. The court can also order for you to accept services from DCF as a condition of custody before giving your children back to you.

In addition, it arranges for the adoption of children and there is also a licensed child placement agency that can place children in foster care either through a court order or through voluntarily.