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Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Board Information
Policy Area
Health and Human ServicesPurpose
The commission shall be a resource to the commonwealth on issues affecting grandparents raising grandchildren in the commonwealth. In furtherance of that responsibility, the commission shall: (1) foster unity among grandparents raising grandchildren communities and organizations in the commonwealth by promoting cooperation and sharing of information and encouraging collaboration and joint activities; (2) serve as a liaison between government and private interest groups with regard to matters of unique interest and concern to grandparents raising grandchildren in the commonwealth; (3) assess programs and practices in all state agencies as they affect grandparents raising grandchildren, as the commission deems necessary and appropriate; (4) advise executive and legislative bodies of the potential effect of proposed legislation on grandparents raising grandchildren, as the commission deems necessary and appropriate; (5) investigate the merits of the establishment of a state agency dedicated to grandparents issues and determine how such agency would be set up; and (6) identify issues that are faced by relatives, other than parents, who are raising children.Seat Restrictions
2 year termsMeeting Information
Second Wednesday of the month, 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. This meeting will be conducted via Zoom If you would like to receive the zoom link and an updated agenda for a Commission board meeting, please contact massgrg@mass.govCompensation
The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for any usual and customary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.Legal Authority
Board Members
↓↓ Sort members table by selecting table header for Member, Seat Name, Appointing Authority, or Term End Date.
| Member↓↓ | Seat Name | Appointing Authority | Term End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julian Cyr | Senate President 1 | Ex Officio | - |
| Representative Paul Donato | Speaker of the House Designee 1 | Ex Officio | - |
| Molly Evans | Office of Aging and Independence 1 | Ex Officio | - |
| Deanna Forist | Governor Seat 1 (Chair) | Governor | January 12, 2026 |
| Lynn Girton | Office of Aging and Independence 2 | Ex Officio | - |
| Quianna Green | Juvenile Court | Ex Officio | - |
| Jerry Lanson | Governor Seat 2 | Governor | January 12, 2026 |
| Mr. John Lepper | House Minority Leader Designee | Ex Officio | - |
| Daniel Lewis | Commissioner of DCF Designee | Ex Officio | - |
| Ilene Mitchell | Probate and Family Court | Ex Officio | - |
| Joseph O’Leary | Senate Minority Leader Designee | Ex Officio | - |
| Meegan Simpson-Best | Senate President 2 | Ex Officio | - |
| Cassandra Thompson | Attorney General Designee | Ex Officio | - |
| Gail Williams | Speaker of the House Designee 2 | Ex Officio | - |
| - | Office of Aging and Independence 3 | Ex Officio | - |