Survey: DCF Workers Overworked, Burned Out

BOSTON (AP) — A new report say workers for the state's child welfare agency suffer from low morale, heavy caseloads and poor working conditions.

The survey of more than 1,500 Department of Children and Families employees was commissioned by the Legislature following the disappearance and death of a 5-year-old Fitchburg boy whose family was being monitored by the state.

Employees complained of lack of oversight and bureaucratic policies driven by fear.

They said they were stressed out by handing as many as 20 cases at once and complained of department offices infested with rodents and insects, and with broken computers.

Despite the complaints, many say they are committed to their work.

Marylou Sudders, secretary of Health and Human Services, which oversees the agency, says changes are already being made based on the survey.

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