CEO Daurice Cox, PsyD.
As Child Abuse Prevention Month comes to a close, I want to pause and reflect on what is possible when a community comes together with a shared commitment to protecting children and strengthening families.
Real and lasting change in a child’s life happens when caring adults show up— when families are supported, parents are encouraged and educated, and communities understand their role in prevention. Thanks to the collective efforts of our partners, supporters, donors, and friends, children across our communities are safer, stronger, and surrounded by hope.
Through prevention initiatives, direct services for children and families, peer and recovery‑focused supports, restorative justice programs, and youth residential care, we work every day to interrupt cycles of abuse and neglect and to create pathways
toward healing. This work saves lives, keeps families together whenever possible, and ensures children have the safety, stability, and care they deserve.
None of this critical work happens in isolation. It is made possible by the generosity, collaboration, and trust of those who believe in our mission and invest in our shared vision of healthy children and thriving families. Your partnership allows us to reach families earlier, respond more effectively, and deepen our impact across the communities we serve.
Thank you for standing with us, not just this month, but throughout the year. Together, we are changing the trajectory of children’s lives—and that is something we can all be deeply proud of.
With gratitude,
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, where we bring attention to the many ways that children and families thrive. On Go Blue Day, we joined alongside millions across the country who support child abuse prevention efforts, strong families, and healthy children. At Bay State Community Services, we recognize the important role families and communities play in strengthening family bonds and preventing child abuse and neglect.
Program Spotlight: Dianne DeVanna Center
The Dianne DeVanna Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect was founded in 1978 after the death of 11-year-old Dianne DeVanna.
The Center was formed to provide intensive, non-judgmental, and responsive supports to parents/caretakers/guardians who are experiencing parenting challenges. We understand the pressures, stressors, and frustrations of parenting and by offering the Parent Aide service, we will provide you with practical, hands- on, intensive, and goal-oriented supports so that you and your family can live and grow together.
Parent Aides work with families supported by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and as a team we are committed to providing parenting skills, education on child(ren) development needs, and assisting parents in working towards reunification when needed.
Service Areas
Braintree Serves: Braintree, Cohasset, Hingham, Hull, Milton, Norwell, Quincy, Randolph, Scituate, Weymouth.
Braintree Phone: 781-843-7010
Plymouth Serves: Plymouth, Kingston, Marshfield, Plympton, Halifax, Hanover, Rockland, Abington, Whitman, Hanson, Carver, Middleborough, Lakeville, Wareham, Rochester, Marion, Mattapoisett, Duxbury, Pembroke.
Plymouth Phone: 508-830-3444
Please contact your DCF social worker for referral information or if you are interested in this type of support.
Gratitude Corner
Thank you to all who continue to support Bay State Community Services’. This month we’d like to recognize:
- Campbell Christmas Angels for donating Easter baskets for families at the Quincy Family Resource Center.
Updates and Events
Mark your calendars for this year’s Theresa’s Walk for Children & Families!
When: May 16th, 10 AM
Where: Pond Meadow Park – Weymouth; 393 Summer St, Weymouth, MA
BSCS Program Director, Cory O’Brien, will be speaking on a panel of Recovery Leaders at Boston Medical Center’s Together For Hope Conference 2026!
Some of BSCS’ Directors were keynote speakers at the National Baltimore Youth Conference
MOAR’s Boston Public Policy Forum at Florian Hall