How Avoiding Social Media When Dealing With DCF Benefits Parents

How Avoiding Social Media When Dealing With DCF in MA Benefits Parents

The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (MA DCF) is more likely to support allegations against a parent when they see questionable posts on social media. The Department may be able to point to social media posts to show that the parent is not fit to take care of their children. There was a case where a mother put a naked picture of her child up on Facebook because she thought it was cute.

The FBI got involved because they suspected child pornography. DCF ended up accusing the parent of sexual abuse. When DCF came to interview her, she tried to explain that the situation was simply a misunderstanding. DCF understood that the posts were not sexual abuse, but they supported allegations of neglect against the mother. Then they stayed in her life for what seemed like forever until she got an experienced DCF lawyer to help her fight the allegations.

Why Should You & Your Children Be Careful with Social Media?

When dealing with MA DCF, the most important thing for parents to do is show their social worker that their children are safe with them. You may think a post on Facebook is innocent, but MA DCF can see it differently. Your children may also think a social media post is innocent, but it could land them in some serious trouble. In our society today, technology is everything. Anything can go viral, and it could end up costing you greatly. If you really want to keep using social media, make sure you think it through before making a post.

Making your accounts private or censoring what you are posting may work in your favor. Remember that even if you delete the post, DCF can find it. Whatever you post on the internet is on the internet forever. The bottom line is: before you and your children choose to post pictures, videos, or messages on social media, make sure to think about who can see those posts. Also think about how the posts may look to an outsider when it’s taken out of context. Don’t let DCF question your judgement. 

How Can Social Media Hurt You BEFORE Your DCF Case?

Parents and caretakers put up photos and videos on social media all the time. Unfortunately, sometimes posts on social media are taken completely out of context. Parents might even lose their children to DCF foster care because of their posts and activities on social media platforms. DCF could come across a nice photo of a Mother smiling inside her car on Facebook. But there is also an open container of beer in the vehicle in the photo. Maybe the parent was taking the beer can to the recycling. But that small detail can make DCF question the mother’s parenting skills and possibly raise child neglect allegations due to substance abuse. Examples of social media posts and activities that DCF may look down upon are:

• Bad mouthing other people online 
• An angry status update
• A photo of you at the bar
• A video of you laughing at your child

Also, your children should be mindful of what they post on social media. They may post something negative about you, or post something you told them not to behind your back. This is extremely dangerous, as they are putting you at risk of a DCF investigation. But more importantly, they are putting themselves at risk of harm from others.

How Can Social Media Hurt You DURING Your DCF Case?

When parents are in the middle of a DCF investigation, it is normal for them to feel angry, confused and overwhelmed. Sometimes, parents end up going on platforms like Facebook to vent and let out all of their frustration. But people say things don’t really mean, especially during a time of fear and stress. These social media posts can used as evidence against you in your DCF case. DCF will try to prove that a child under such parent’s custody could be at a greater risk due to the parent’s poor judgement.

This is especially true when there have already been previous involvement with MA DCF and supported child abuse or neglect reports. During a DCF investigation, the children may also post something that can hurt their parent. Even if a child is just venting and explaining why DCF should not be in their parent’s life, DCF could take it the wrong way. They could say that the parent coached the child, or they could say the child’s emotional reaction is a sign of emotional abuse. The point is, your children should be careful what they post on social media too during a DCF case.

 

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.