How to Report Child Sexual Abuse to DCF and Help MA Children
When Should I Report a MA DCF Child Sexual Abuse Case?
Child protection is important and falls on all people to keep our community safe. If you see child abuse happening, you must prevent it.
Many people are familiar with Child Protective Services. Here in MA it is known as the Department of Children and Families (DCF). DCF responds to reports of abuse. DCF provides support to children and their families to help with these problems. The Department handles reports of all abuse, including child sexual abuse. MA DCF child sexual abuse cases are very serious. Because of this, it is important to know when and how to file them.
DCF relies on reports of abuse to protect children. As a result, DCF takes intake forms seriously. Because of this, nearly all reports filed result in open investigations.
People often wonder where to call to report abuse. False allegations of abuse can harm any family. These allegations are especially serious when they involve sexual abuse.
Witnesses must weigh these consequences before filing a report. The mental health of the children involved should be the priority. The injury and incident are important elements to consider. It is important to report the facts of the incident to DCF.
Citizens help protect our neighbors and children. People should be familiar with the MA DCF reporting process to properly file concerns. Accurate information must be available for people who can help children in abusive situations. Below are some resources about DCF reports of sexual abuse.
What does Child Abuse and Neglect look Like?
There are 4 Types of Child Abuse.
- Physical Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Neglect
- Emotional Abuse
These types of abuse are not usually found alone. The four categories have symptoms people must look for when dealing with children. While all of these categories are harmful to children, sexual abuse is the worst.
What Are Warning Signs for Sexual Abuse?
There are signs that a child is experiencing sexual abuse.
Signs of Sexual Abuse or Sexual Violence
- Bruises or bleeding of private parts
- Hard time walking or sitting
- Afraid of physical contact
- Frequent stomach aches or headaches
- Frequent infections
- Reporting sexual abuse by a parent or adult caregiver
- Torn, stained or bloody underwear
- Pregnancy
Reporting Child Sexual Abuse to DCF
There are many ways to contact DCF to file a report of child sexual abuse. You can file over the phone by calling the 24-hour DCF Hotline at 1-(800)-792-5200.
You may contact your DCF Area Office over the phone. When you call DCF, ask for the Protective Screening Unit.
Your report should include:
- The names and addresses of the children.
- The child’s caregivers.
- The child’s age, the child’s sex.
- The extent of the child’s injuries
- Any evidence of prior injuries
- actions to assist the child.
- The person making the report
- The person responsible for the abuse.
What is a Mandated Reporter?
Mandated reporters must report to DCF when they believe a child is suffering from sexual abuse.
Mandated reporters include anyone else that works closely with children.
The mandated reporter must file a report with DCF and talk to the police. It is better to be safe than sorry with children.
What is an Anonymous Reporter?
An anonymous reporter can call DCF with concerns they have for a child. They do not have to provide DCF with any personal information. DCF must follow through with all allegations.
What is the Difference Between Potential Child Abuse and False Allegation of Child Abuse?
Noticing risks of potential child abuse can stop abuse before it occurs. To mandated reporters with experience, symptoms of child sexual abuse are obvious in children.
A teacher may see changes in a child’s behavior or school performance. The teacher may see this as a sign of abuse and could file a report. All teachers must report child abuse even if they don’t see it occur.
While these signs all show potential abuse, the word “potential” is important. Signs alone do not prove that sexual abuse is happening. MA DCF often treats warning signs as evidence of abuse. The Department can only reach a decision after an investigation.
Mandated reporters must file reports even on a warning sign basis. Information from mandated reports could lead to a DCF investigation.
What Are the Consequences of False Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse?
False allegation of child sexual abuse hurt families. The Department protects children from situations of abuse. That said, the department oftentimes screens in false reports of abuse. False reports can cause DCF investigations when families are not abusing their children.
A DCF investigation can have serious consequences. DCF investigations often include research into your personal life. This is why false allegations of abuse are harmful to families.
DCF will do everything they can to prove sexual abuse allegations. A supported decision may lead to the removal of your children. The decision can result in a loss of employment and registry on the Child Abuse Offenders List. This is like a felony conviction. It can mean a loss of rights, freedoms, or your children.
A DCF report against a parent or caregiver can be used against families. Some DCF investigations come from false allegations of abuse or neglect. These allegations might be from someone they know or they do not know. The reporter is using DCF to get back at that parent.
Allegations of child sexual abuse are very serious. You must understand the risk when facing allegations from DCF.
Kevin Seaver is a trusted Massachusetts DCF Lawyer Specialized in DCF since 1991.
