Massachusetts should look to other states for guidance in reforming the state’s child protection system. That’s according to a new report released Thursday by the Boston Foundation. The report makes five broad recommendations for the state’s Department of Children and Families. DCF came under scrutiny over the past year after the disappearance of a boy from Fitchburg whose family was under the agency’s supervision. The report recommends bringing in strong leadership, continually training staff, and paying more attention to the individual needs of each family. DCF’s interim director Erin Deveney, who took over after the previous director resigned, says the department is already doing much of the work the report recommends.

“It lets the department know that the progress that we’re making is what third parties and stakeholders believe will bring the department in the right direction, and will help us to increase the safety of children and to strengthen families while they’re dealing with very difficult issues,” says Deveney.

Earlier this year, DCF’s budget was increased by $48 million. Deveney says that money is primarily being used to hire more social workers to manage heavy caseloads.