The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (MA DCF) gets involved with a family, because of MA DCF physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. it means they filed a 51A report against them. DCF probably got the call from a mandated reporter. A mandated reporter is a professional who works with children. When a mandated reporter suspects child neglect or abuse, they must contact DCF.
The report only gets sent out when the mandated reporter has reasonable cause to believe that a child is suffering from physical or emotional injury. The basis for the investigation of child abuse or neglect is by the 110 C.M.R 2.00. It is based on substantial evidence, if a finding is made by the MA DCF against the parent or caretaker.
What is DCF Abuse?
Abuse that a parent or a caregiver inflicts on them. It can cause harm or substantial harm to the child’s health or welfare. It can include sexual abuse, neglect, including malnutrition; physical dependence upon an addictive drug at birth.
When this happens, a mandated reporter or any person should immediately contact the MA DCF within 48 hours of the incident. They will then file a written report with the MA DCF detailing the suspect of child abuse or neglect.
What is DCF Physical Abuse?
When a parent or caretaker does something to physically injure the child, it would be considered “MA DCF physical abuse.” Child physical abuse includes:
- Striking
- Kicking
- Burning
- Biting
- Punching
- Shaking
- Kicking
- Beating
- Choking
- Burning
- Throwing
- Stabbing
How is DCF Physical Abuse Different from DCF Sexual Abuse?
DCF physical abuse and DCF sexual abuse are two different types of abuse of a child. Both types of abuse can leave physically injurie a child, but sexual abuse may not even involve any touching. Child physical abuse always leaves marks, bruises, cuts or scratches.
DCF sexual abuse is as any sexual offense done on purpose by a caretaker to a child. MA DCF’s official definition of sexual abuse also includes making a child a victim of sexual exploitation or sex trafficking.
What is DCF Neglect?
MA DCF defines neglect as a failure by a parent/caretaker, either deliberately or through negligence or the inability to take the actions necessary, to provide a child with the appropriate amount of food, clothing, shelter, medical care, supervision, emotional stability and growth, or any other essential care the child needs. Neglect does not necessarily require a child to suffer any physical injury; it can also mean emotional.
Kevin Seaver is a trusted Massachusetts DCF Lawyer Specialized in DCF since 1991. 
DISCLAIMER
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.