How to Get a DCF Fair Hearing Reversal?
Hello, and thanks for joining me here today.
My name is Kevin Seaver and I have been an experienced and trusted DCF attorney since 1991, successfully representing clients against the Department of Children and Families, more commonly referred to as DCF throughout the entire state of Massachusetts, in court and out of court, turning negatives into positives.
A mother came to me and she had been babysitting a friend’s child. That friend’s child was injured at the mother’s home. DCF got involved through the hospital and filed neglect and physical abuse allegations against her. No good deed goes unpunished, right?
At the time the mother was babysitting someone else’s child. She also had a child of her own just over a year old. DCF filed a Care and Protection petition with the Juvenile Court and was seeking to remove the child from her custody. The judge in her infinite wisdom refused to allow the child to be removed. The judge said the mother’s own child had no history of abuse or neglect according to all collaterals.
Mom and Dad were terrific parents and their child was thriving. The mother met with the DCF assessment worker, the child’s attorney, the court investigator, and the Probation Officer. The case was dismissed at Juvenile Court.
Just because the case was dismissed in Juvenile Court, the allegation of child abuse was not taken off her record. You must apply and file for a DCF Fair Hearing within 30 days after receiving a notice of abuse or neglect of a child.
What Happens After a DCF Fair Hearing?
After writing to DCF, DCF re-evaluated the evidence, and much to DCF’s credit, they unsupported and reversed the decision of child abuse and neglect against the mother and the father.
When you are involved with DCF and there is an allegation of child abuse, the only place you can overturn or reverse an allegation is at a DCF Fair Hearing. Be sure to apply for such a hearing within 30 days. If you, your family, neighbor, friend or anyone you know is involved with DCF, call Kevin Seaver at (617) 263-2633. We can help you.
Kevin Seaver is an experienced, trusted lawyer who successfully represents clients against DCF from Boston, Massachusetts. Call Kevin at (617) 263-2633 or request a Consultation online!
If 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.
Kevin Patrick Seaver is a Massachusetts DCF Defense Lawyer who represents parents against false child abuse allegations.