DCF Won’t Report MA DCF Child Sexual Abuse in DCF Foster Care???
In 2017, a Massachusetts audit revealed 19 alarming cases of MA DCF child sexual abuse and neglect that occurred in foster care—yet were never formally reported. These children were in state custody, under DCF protection, and still suffered harm without accountability or public disclosure. The researchers found in 2017 that 19 incidents of abuse or neglect of kids in DCF foster care. But no one ever made these reports. The department files reports against anyone and everyone. This is why knowing when MA DCF crosses the line is important.
The researchers discoveries are 19 incidents of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and/or neglect that DCF determine had happening to children in the care of the department without reports of such abuse. This is alarming these children in the care of the department and are not in safety. Are any children safe in the custody of the department?
The audit writes “19 incidents affected 22 children and included forcible rape, sexual assault by a DCF-contracted employee at a residential facility, sexual abuse, and assaults on children”. This includes MA DCF child sexual abuse.
The study shows that DCF could be protecting potential abusers from the law, and how there could be MA DCF child sexual abuse. The audit infers the department could have bias for when an incident is in the evaluating process for a response. The department has this bias if the potential abuser is of the department’s staff. This study demonstrates how the department looks the other way. They look the other way when allegations of abuse of children are by employed or registered individuals through the department’s staff.
Which Children Are Overlooked in MA DCF Child Sexual Abuse Cases?
The MA DCF protocol’s intention is to protect ALL children from abuse and neglect. Under MGL Section 51b chapter 119, the law requires all child abuse and neglect reports must go to the district attorneys office immediately. The 19 cases of unreported neglect and abuse not only break this law, but bring the need for reform to the department of children and families itself.
How to Improve Protection in MA DCF Child Sexual Abuse Cases
The Department of Children and Families is in desperate need of reform. The Department currently has no “internal controls”. This means the Department has no supervision in any matter. These meetings could hold all caretaker’s accountable, and benefit children’s wellbeing and safety.
Currently there is no one to ensure the department complies with all of it’s own policies, even if that means the department has to formally prosecute one of their own workers. That is the flaw in the system, no one is watching DCF ensuring they follow the law. Until the Department has policy reform within its own standings and regulations; children are not not under the same protection by DCF.
When the audit researcher asked the department about the 19 incidents that were not “formally reported” in the proceedings as they should have been. The department did not say the incidents did not happen or that they made any mistakes. The department made no comment about MA DCF child sexual abuse. They made no comment on how those children were not under the same protection.
What Can You Do When DCF Makes False MA DCF Child Sexual Abuse Claims Against You?
If DCF makes a decision of abuse or neglect about you, the first thing you should think about is hiring an attorney. Professionals who have experience with the department can help you. Attorneys who have fought DCF previously can help guide you through the tough path ahead. Hiring an experienced DCF attorney to handle your DCF case can be the reason why you win your DCF case. Attorney Seaver knows your rights and how to ensure how to protect you from the department’s false alleges of abuse or neglect. What can the right lawyer do for you?
The audit study can be found on: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dcf-does-not-report-incidents-of-abuse-neglect-andor-sexual-abuse-of-children-in-its
Kevin Seaver is a trusted Massachusetts DCF lawyer specialized in DCF law 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.
Kevin Patrick Seaver is a Massachusetts DCF Defense Lawyer who represents parents against false child abuse allegations.
Massachusetts DCF Defense Lawyer Kevin Seaver has been successfully fighting false child abuse allegations since 1991.
