Family Preservation Project

Too often, children are placed in foster care because their parents lack access to safe housing, quality health and mental health care, food, and appropriate educational services. Other families lack the money to hire a lawyer to protect themselves against domestic violence. These poverty-induced problems are not the equivalent of parental neglect or abuse and should not mean children are separated from their families.

The first of its kind in Massachusetts and one of only a handful of similar programs across the country, Community Legal Aid’s Family Preservation Project provides legal support to families who are involved with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The goal is to prevent a child’s unnecessary removal from their home and the accompanying trauma that can result.

Beginning when CLA receives a referral of a DCF-involved family, Project staff conduct a thorough needs assessment in order to identify how legal interventions and related services can stabilize the family and address the reasons that DCF is involved. Project staff will then take appropriate next steps, including referring the family to the relevant advocacy practice area within CLA and connecting the family to community service providers when needed.