As a woman of color, former foster youth, and a survivor of domestic violence, and leader of a coalition of impacted individuals and families Family Matters 1st Inc. I have experienced firsthand the challenges that come with being directly affected by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) system and witness others affected as well. Instead of receiving resources and safety, I was punished and my child was handed to my abuser. This is not just my story; it's the narrative for many others who have been impacted by these punitive systems.

We are calling on Governor Maura Healey to invite individuals impacted by DCF to participate in the decision-making process for appointing the new commissioner and filling two upcoming vacant justice seats in Juvenile courts. This is an opportunity for Massachusetts to not only claim progressiveness but also demonstrate it through action.

In 2022 alone, there were over 41,263 children under DCF care in Massachusetts (source: Mass.gov). These children and their families deserve representation from people who understand their experiences intimately.

https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/massachusetts-latino-foster-care-dei-rcna127095

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/11/27/metro/latino-children-foster-care-massachusetts/

By including those directly affected by DCF decisions at decision-making tables, we can ensure that policies reflect our realities instead of punishing us further. We believe this will lead towards more equitable outcomes for all involved.

Please sign this petition urging Governor Maura Healey to include DCF impacted individuals in these crucial decisions about our future. Your signature can make a difference.

The process of appointing the Commissioner of DCF, a role that impacts tens of thousands of families, who are disproportionately poor and people of color, and has the power to wield incredible power and harm over generations of Massachusetts citizens,  is not public, nor does it take into account the systemic failures or require any answer or vision for how impacted families, who have suffered generations of gaslighting and harm from this system, will be included in the blueprint for how to radically change what is a currently accepted system that is a perpetuator of racism and harm.  

Nothing about us without us.

Tatiana Rodriguez 

Founder and Executive Director 

Mother, Survivor of system and DV