In recent years, MLRI has emerged as the state’s leading independent child welfare advocate and agency watchdog. MLRI’s child welfare advocacy promotes policies and practices that are family-centered and achieve outcomes most favorable for the low-income children and families.
MLRI works with state officials, policy makers and advocacy groups to promote policies and supports vulnerable families’ need for children to grow and succeed in a safe, stable and nurturing environment.
Our child advocacy focuses on:
- stabilizing families and protecting children by reforming the MA child welfare system, with a focus on advocating for services and supports that strengthen at-risk families
- advocating for the placement of children with kinship caregivers in circumstances where parents are unable to care for children on a long term or permanent basis
- promoting a holistic approach to child welfare by advancing policies that provide low income families with economic stability, safety, and access to basic human needs
