Children who are involved in the legal system often may need help understanding and accessing medical benefits to which they are entitled. The resources collected here include general guides to child welfare, as well as Massachusetts specific material. When beginning your research in a particular area, if you are not familiar with the general legal landscape, you should consult a secondary source.
Children's Rights Under the Law by DCF has an obligation to ensure the provision of health care to children in care or custody. The medical service area of the DCF webpage contains resources such as policies, forms, and a description of services.
DPH also provides some oversight of care to children with special needs. The Children & Youth with Special Healthcare Needs Program page outlines various resources.
DMH website provides additional resources for children requiring mental health services.
Additional resources:
Mental Health Access Project - Resources on children's mental health and mental health and substance abuse parity.
Mass Legal Services - Many helpful resources organized by topic inlcuding general resources, court materials, and very select agency decisions from DDS, DHCD, and BSEA.
Children's Law Center - Many helpful resources under Publications.
Massachusetts Mental Health - Service Applications and Appeals Guidelines
Metal Health Legal Advisors Committee - Many helpful resources available on the Library page.