Rep. Donato honored by Massachusetts Family Resource Centers

Special to The Advocate

State Representative Paul J. Donato was honored to receive an award from Family Resource Centers at a recent event.

A statement released by Rep. Donato’s office reads: Family Resource Centers grew out of the knowledge that when families are brought together, without court intervention, outcomes are vastly improved. Between 2005 and 2012, myself, other legislators, DCF, families, and many non-profit stakeholders involved in the system collaborated to reform the CHINS (Children in Need of Service) program. The program was antiquated, was unable to properly serve children in and out of foster care and was desperately in need of comprehensive reform. That’s why I was the lead sponsor of legislation in the House of Representatives to reform the system.

The reforms we needed were passed in 2012 and included in that legislation, was the promise of Family Resource Centers. These centers were established in 2015 and have since grown in the number of centers and families served. I was proud to join my colleague, Senate President Spilka, in receiving an award from the Family Resource Centers of Massachusetts on their 10th anniversary. Together, we worked diligently to pass this legislation, and I continue to be proud of this partnership that brought such valuable reform to Massachusetts.

There is more vital legislation that needs to be passed to ensure that foster children and families are protected, but this award is a great reminder of what can be done through community partnerships.