Who We Are And What We Do

The New England Association of Child Welfare Commissioners and Directors (NEACWCD) is the regional membership organization representing the six public child welfare agencies in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. For more than 40 years, the Association has served as a trusted convener, bringing together child welfare leaders to strengthen practice, improve policy, and achieve better outcomes for children, youth, and families across New England.

Recognizing that many opportunities and challenges are shared across state lines, NEACWCD creates a collaborative environment where Commissioners, Directors, and multidisciplinary peer networks work together to exchange ideas, solve complex problems, and accelerate systems improvement. Through open dialogue and shared learning, member agencies identify innovative approaches, learn from one another's successes and challenges, and develop regional strategies that strengthen child welfare practice.

The Association's work extends beyond convening meetings. NEACWCD partners with national experts, federal agencies, philanthropic organizations, universities, and community partners to bring research, technical assistance, leadership development, and implementation support to the region. By strengthening both knowledge and organizational capacity, the Association helps member agencies translate promising ideas into meaningful and sustainable change.

Current priorities include advancing a kin-first culture that strengthens support for kinship caregivers; promoting authentic partnerships with youth, parents, and families with lived experience; supporting workforce recruitment, retention, and leadership development; improving permanency and well-being; and identifying innovative practices that strengthen public child welfare systems throughout New England.

The Association also provides leadership for the New England Youth Coalition (NEYC), a nationally recognized youth-adult partnership that brings together young people with lived experience in foster care from across the region. NEYC develops youth leaders, elevates youth voice in policy and practice, and partners with child welfare agencies to create more responsive, equitable, and effective systems for young people and families.