The bill highlights the significant growth and impact of the Massachusetts Family Resource Center (FRC) Network, which has expanded from 18 centers in 2015 to 32 centers in 2023, with plans for further expansion in 2024. This growth has been accompanied by a 35% increase in the employee base over the past four years, allowing the FRCs to serve a record number of families—19,336 in 2023, a 17% increase from the previous year. The centers provide essential support to families with children at risk of or currently involved in the Children Requiring Assistance (CRA) system, offering resources such as parenting education, school-related support, and emergency assistance, particularly for families facing homelessness and other crises.

Additionally, the bill introduces new legal language directing individuals seeking more information about the FRCs to visit the website www.frcma.org. It emphasizes the various services provided by the FRCs, including parenting support and educational resources, while also noting the number of families served and the sources of referrals to these centers. The data presented in the bill underscores the critical role of FRCs in strengthening family relationships and enhancing community well-being, particularly during times of crisis.