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Children’s League of MA Optimistic Following Release of House FY16 Budget
(Boston – April 15, 2015) The Children’s League of Massachusetts (CLM), a statewide non-profit association
of over 80 private and public organizations and individuals that collectively advocate for public policies and
quality services that are in the best interest of the Commonwealth’s children, youth and families, praised
the FY16 budget released by the House Ways and Means Committee today as being largely positive overall
for children in the care of the Commonwealth, although they will be seeking amendments regarding
funding for Family Resource Centers (FRCs) and to strengthen the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA).
“It is clear that the House Ways and Means Committee has heard loud and clear from advocates and the
public alike that we must invest in the safety and success of our children,” stated Erin G. Bradley, Executive
Director of CLM. “We commend them on seeing the value of services for children and families, just as
Governor Baker did in his budget proposal.”
Although pleased with much of the House budget, CLM would like to see the restoration of $2.5M in funds
dedicated to Family Resource Centers (FRCs). Created by the recently passed Children Requiring Assistance
(CRA) law, FRCs are designed to provide mental health, substance abuse, and other critical services to
children and families in their communities, which is intended to keep them out of the juvenile justice
system.
In addition, CLM will be working with the House to file an amendment regarding the Office of the Child
Advocate. The office was created to serve as an independent voice for the children and families of the
Commonwealth, but the Child Advocate currently serves at the pleasure of the Governor and is funded
through the Executive Branch. Although legislation has been filed to strengthen this office by making it
more independent, CLM believes that the office must acquire its own, independent line item within the
budget.
About the Children’s League of Massachusetts
The Children’s League of Massachusetts is a statewide non-profit association of over 80 private and public
organizations and individuals that collectively advocate for public policies and quality services that are in
the best interest of the Commonwealth’s children, youth and families. The League works independently
and in coalition around critical areas to advance public policy by developing needed legislation, analyzing
the state budget as it affects children and families, and promoting evidence-based best practices. The
Children’s League also works to educate both the public and policy-makers about the national trends and
pressing state-wide issues regarding the child welfare system. http://www.childrensleague.org/
11 Beacon Street, Suite 820  Boston MA 02108 p. 617-695-1991 f. 617-695-0202 www.childrensleague.org
April 15, 2015
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