Why you should not rely upon DCF legal advice in Massachusetts. Simply put, there are well-intentioned well-meaning social workers, but they are not lawyers. So they may mean and intend with the best of intention to give you the right information. You’re asking a non-lawyer for legal advice; they lack the expertise in legal terms and procedures. legal advice, it doesn’t add up.
You should never do that. Number two, there may be an incident where DCF doesn’t know, but doesn’t want to act like they should know. Some people have egos, including social workers and it may give you again, information. They mean well, It’s not factual. It’s not correct. It’s inaccurate. Ignorance of the law is no defense. You also got to understand too, that DCF at times will play both sides of the street.
What do I mean by that? They may be social work and they know how to be a good social worker. We hope, but you get playing the attorney, given legal advice. They should never, ever, ever do that. And I say to social workers all the time; I promise you I will not play social worker because I’m not clinical. You promise me you don’t play lawyer. They’re not lawyers, so relying on non-lawyers for legal advice is a common and frustrating occurrence.
That’s the wrong thing, but you as a client must understand DCF is not legal. DCF is not your friend. You don’t have an Attorney-Client privilege where you can tell them anything you want and not worry about where it goes. DCF doesn’t have to be your enemy, but they are not your ally or your legal representative. Be careful. Ask a lawyer for legal advice.
Kevin Seaver is a trusted Massachusetts lawyer since 1991. 
You find yourself in this situation, it’s advisable to seek legal representation from a qualified attorney, like those at the Law Office of Kevin Seaver, who can advocate for your rights and guide you through the complex process of a DCF investigation.
Remember that the ultimate goal of DCF is to ensure the safety and well-being of children while supporting families in crisis.
Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers.
Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from the attorney based on personal circumstances. Thank you.
