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The Children's League of Massachusetts

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For 30 years, the Children’s League of Massachusetts has brought together organizations, advocates, and leaders committed to improving outcomes for children, youth, and families across the Commonwealth!

We’re proud to celebrate this milestone anniversary by reflecting on the partnerships, advocacy, leadership, and shared commitment that have shaped CLM’s journey over the past three decades.

Over the coming months, we’ll share stories from current and former leaders, highlight key moments in our history, and recognize the collective impact of the individuals and organizations who have helped advance opportunities for children, youth, and families throughout Massachusetts.

Thank you for being part of this journey and we look forward to celebrating 30 years of CLM with you and sharing the stories that have made this work possible! #CLM30 by @childrensleague_ma

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3 months ago

Throughout its 30-year history, CLM has been a trusted partner to leaders across Massachusetts working to improve the lives of children, youth, and families.

Bob Gittens has experienced CLM’s impact from multiple perspectives: as Commissioner of the Department of Youth Services, Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Executive Director of Bridges Homeward, and a CLM Board member.

“CLM became an important voice in helping me shape the policies and direction for DYS.”

Bob reflects on CLM’s ability to convene leaders, inform public policy, and provide trusted guidance during some of the Commonwealth’s most significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. He also highlights CLM’s longstanding commitment to addressing the needs of children, families, and transition-aged youth.

Thank you, Bob, for your decades of public service and your leadership in advancing opportunities for children and families across Massachusetts.

#CLM30 by @childrensleague_ma

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7 days ago

For 30 years, CLM has worked alongside our members, coalition partners, legislators, and advocates to advance policies that improve the lives of children, youth, and families across the Commonwealth.

Advocacy is at the heart of our mission. By bringing together the expertise and experiences of our members, we’ve helped support meaningful legislative changes that strengthen families, expand opportunities, and improve systems of care.

Over the years, CLM has celebrated many important legislative victories, including:
• The Foster Parents’ Bill of Rights
• Ending child marriage in Massachusetts
• Expanding access to adoption
• Equal access to original birth certificates for adopted individuals
• Legal parentage equality for all families

These accomplishments reflect the power of collaboration. Every policy victory represents countless conversations, partnerships, testimony, and advocacy efforts from organizations and individuals committed to creating a stronger Massachusetts for children and families.

As we celebrate 30 years of CLM, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved together and we’re committed to continuing this work for the years ahead!

#CLM30 by @childrensleague_ma

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22 days ago

As we celebrate 30 years of CLM, we’re grateful to hear from leaders whose careers have been shaped by this community.

Sue Todd joined what was then known as the Child Welfare League of America’s Massachusetts Executive Group in 1987, shortly after becoming CEO of Pathways for Children. Over the course of a 40-year career in child welfare, she found not only professional growth but also a network of peers committed to strengthening services and advancing public policy for children and families.

“The best professional decision I made was joining the Children’s League of Massachusetts.”

Sue reflects on the invaluable relationships, shared learning, and collective advocacy that defined her time with CLM. She also honors the many leaders who helped build the organization, reminding us that their legacy continues to inspire the work we do today.

Thank you, Sue, for your decades of leadership, your dedication to children and families, and for helping shape CLM into the organization it is today.

#CLM30 by @childrensleague_ma

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a month ago

What began as a small group of leaders coming together around shared challenges has grown into a statewide network of more than 60 member organizations.

Today, CLM brings together providers, advocates, and partners from across Massachusetts who share a commitment to improving outcomes for children, youth, and families.

Our members bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and experiences, but they are united by a common goal: ensuring that children, youth, and families have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

For 30 years, CLM has served as a place to connect, collaborate, and advocate together. The strength of our network has always come from the people and organizations that make it possible.

Thank you to our members, past and present, for being part of this work and helping advance our shared mission across the Commonwealth!

#CLM30 by @childrensleague_ma

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a month ago

As we celebrate CLM’s 30th anniversary, we’re honored to share reflections from leaders who have helped shape our organization over the years.

Marylou Sudders’ connection to CLM spans nearly three decades - as Massachusetts Commissioner of Mental Health, Secretary of Health & Human Services, a CLM board member, and Board Chair.

Looking back, Marylou reflects on CLM’s evolution into a trusted public policy organization that brings together diverse voices while keeping children, youth, and families at the center of its mission.

“CLM has emerged as an effective and valuable public policy organization - representing a diverse community of individuals, families, public and private organizations - always keeping the needs and voices of youth and families at the core of its mission.”

She also reminds us that anniversaries are more than milestones - they are opportunities to reflect on our progress and recommit to the work ahead.

Thank you, Marylou, for your years of leadership and for helping strengthen CLM’s voice on behalf of children, youth, and families across Massachusetts. #CLM30 by @childrensleague_ma

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2 months ago

The story of CLM begins long before 1995.

In the early 1970s, leaders from child welfare agencies across Massachusetts began coming together around a shared belief: children, youth, and families are best served when organizations work together rather than in isolation.

As they met, shared ideas, and tackled common challenges, they recognized the need for a stronger collective voice—one that could advocate for better policies, stronger services, and improved outcomes for children and families across the Commonwealth.

That spirit of collaboration ultimately led to the incorporation of the Children’s League of Massachusetts in 1995 and continues to guide our work today.

Thirty years later, CLM remains committed to bringing together organizations, advocates, and leaders to strengthen opportunities and outcomes for children, youth, and families throughout Massachusetts.

#CLM30 by @childrensleague_ma

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2 months ago

A major step forward for children, youth, and families!

The Massachusetts Legislature has passed An Act Enhancing Child Welfare Protections, landmark legislation that strengthens our child welfare system through important reforms, including the Foster Child Bill of Rights, meaningful Children Requiring Assistance (CRA) reform, expanded accountability measures, and stronger supports for children and families.

We extend our sincere thanks to Senator @senrobynkennedy , Representative @jaylivingstone, Senator @jocomerfordma, and the many legislators whose leadership, collaboration, and commitment made this landmark legislation possible. We are also grateful to the members of the Conference Committee for their work to advance a strong final bill that will improve outcomes for children, youth, and families across the Commonwealth.

We also thank our members, coalition partners, providers, advocates, and individuals with lived experience who shared their expertise, responded to CLM action alerts, and advocated throughout this process. Your voices helped make these reforms possible.

Read more about what’s included in the final bill: https://www.childrensleague.org/ma-legislature-passes-child-welfare-reform-bill/

The bill now heads to Governor Healey for her signature.

#ChildWelfare #ChildrenFirst #Massachusetts #Advocacy by @childrensleague_ma

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2 months ago

As we celebrate CLM’s 30th anniversary, we’re honored to share reflections from the leaders who have helped shape our organization and strengthen our mission!

Beth Barto has been involved with CLM for the past nine years and currently serves as Board President. As CEO of LUK, Inc., she has experienced firsthand the value of belonging to a network that shares a common purpose: keeping children, youth, and families at the center of everything we do.

“Being part of the Children’s League feels like being home. The values of having children at the center of the work are shared.”

For Beth, CLM is more than a professional network—it’s a place where collaboration leads to action. She especially values Advocacy Day at the State House, where LUK brings peer leaders and members of its advocacy board to meet with legislators, connect with fellow providers, and experience the importance of civic engagement firsthand.

She also recognizes CLM’s role in bringing organizations together to have purposeful conversations that lead to action and in helping policymakers understand the importance of investing in a strong system of care for children, youth, and families.

Thank you, Beth, for your leadership and for helping guide CLM into its next chapter! #CLM30 by @childrensleague_ma

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3 months ago

A big thank you to our 2025–2026 Associate Members! 💙

We’re grateful for the businesses and organizations that partner with CLM and support our mission to strengthen services, systems, and opportunities for children, youth, and families across Massachusetts.

Interested in joining as an Associate Member? Learn more here: https://www.childrensleague.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/FY27-Associate-Membership-for-Business-Partners.pdf

#ChildrenAndFamilies #ChildWelfare #HumanServices #Massachusetts by @childrensleague_ma

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4 months ago

Tonight the FIFA World Cup makes its Massachusetts debut right here in Foxborough. 🌍⚽

Every single player on that field tonight started as just a kid with a dream and somebody who believed in them.

We believe in Massachusetts foster kids. Every single one of them. Since 2009 we have been making sure they get their chance. Soccer registration. Music lessons. Art classes. A prom dress. Summer camp. The experiences that tell a child they are seen. That they are valued. That they belong.

Because they do. 💙

#FosterCare #RiseAbove #ItsAKidNotACause #NotDefinedByCircumstances #WorldCup2026 by @childrensleague_ma

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4 months ago

A major step forward for children, youth, and families in Massachusetts! 🎉

Today, the Massachusetts Senate passed An Act Enhancing Child Welfare Protections, advancing important reforms to strengthen supports and protections for children and families across the Commonwealth.

Thank you to Senator Robyn Kennedy for her leadership on this legislation, Senator Jo Comerford for her work advancing the Foster Care Bill of Rights, and Senator Pavel Payano for filing and championing Amendment 2 to strengthen Support and Stabilization services.

We are also grateful to the many legislators, advocates, providers, youth, families, and coalition partners whose work, expertise, and persistence helped make this progress possible.

The work isn’t over yet—next stop: Conference Committee.

#ChildWelfare #Massachusetts #Advocacy #MAPoli #FosterCare FamilySupport by @childrensleague_ma

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4 months ago