Use of Volunteers

The Department's enabling legislation authorizes collaboration with volunteer agencies or organizations to assure efficient and high quality social and educational services for persons who are unable for social or economic reasons to provide such services for themselves (see, M.G.L. c. 18B, § 3). In addition, volunteers are needed to serve as independent third party representatives on the Department's foster care review panels (see M.G.L. c. 18B, § 6A) and multidisciplinary service teams (see M.G.L. c. 119, § 51D). As such, volunteers provide a valuable resource to the Department as it strives to maximize its delivery of a comprehensive social service program. Furthermore, volunteers may be utilized by area, regional or central offices in duties the office determines may best assist the agency in its mission.