Embattled Mass. DCF gets more help

BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick has sent a member of his inner circle with a team of experts to oversee changes at the embattled Department of Children and Families.

An agency spokesman confirms to the Boston Herald that Erin McAleer, the administration's director of Cabinet affairs, will be "special project manager" at DCF "to provide support and assistance" to Commissioner Olga Roche for the next couple of months.

She is among several state employees reassigned to the child welfare agency last week without fanfare as the agency grapples with allegations of abuse and neglect in foster homes; overburdened and unlicensed social workers; and the disappearance of a 5-year-old Fitchburg last year, who is now feared dead.

The spokesman says McAleer's job will include "creating stronger policies and procedures."

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