The DCF social worker had been to my client’s home for the past two months during the DCF Family Assessment. My client, the mother, wanted me present for these DCF home visits every time, especially because she wanted to understand her rights as a parent against DCF. She told me she did not feel as anxious when DCF came to her home with me present. The Mom repeated after each DCF home visit that she and the children appreciated our support in their fight against DCF.
How to Handle a DCF Home Visit in the Pandemic
The DCF social worker called this week to do another monthly DCF home visit. She explained that the Department was doing this “before closing the case.” I asked the DCF social worker how we could accomplish what she is required to do by the Department. The key point was how to keep everyone “safe.” A discussion occurred with the social worker about how this is the “new norm.” We further discussed how another DCF social worker was found to have the virus. The news stated that other social workers were being evaluated for the virus. We further discussed how everything is so “different”, but we both agreed things did not have to be “difficult”.
I asked the DCF social worker to be creative with this DCF home visit as we did not want her in the home. She clarified that she did not want to enter the home. We agreed on a 12:30 pm “drive by”. She stated she would see the children outside in the driveway or on the porch. “Not much of a home visit,” said my client. I pointed out that this accomplishes DCF’s purpose.
Then, the mother asked me what she should tell her two children as to why they are outside. I thought back to when I first pulled up to the family’s home for my first monthly DCF home visit: the 15-year-old son was shooting hoops in the driveway. “Bingo!” I said. I suggested Mom go outside and shoot hoops with her two children which she did on a regular basis. She then dead panned that her kids call her “air ball.” Having the family play basketball in the driveway would be innocent fun and would seem normal to the children. Problem solved!
Handling DCF During Uncertain Times
In these uncertain times it is crucial to protect your children foremost. Be creative with the Child. Protective Service by making alternative arrangements when they request for you to meet with them, such as a DCF home visit. I know this sounds like common sense, but I must point out that “common sense is very uncommon.”
We must practice “safety” first. These times are different but they do NOT have to be difficult. We must all work together to make these times better for everyone.
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.