What is the Massachusetts DCF Screening Process?
The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (Massachusetts DCF) uses the screening process. This process is a critical part of the DCF investigation process, occurring during or after a report is called in by a mandated or non-mandated reporter. Understanding the intricacies of this process is essential for parents and guardians who find themselves navigating a DCF investigation. or anonymous reporter.
1. The screening process should determine whether:
2. The report meets the department’s criteria of child abuse or neglect (the allegations are “reportable conditions”)
3. There are concerns for or threats to a child’s safety and well-being
The allegations require an emergency or non-emergency response.
Emergency Response: Triggered when immediate danger to the child exists. Prompts rapid investigation due to urgent safety threats.
Non-Emergency Response: Activated for potential threats not requiring immediate action.Investigation initiated based on potential risks, but not immediate danger.
How Long Does the Massachusetts DCF Screening Process Take?
The amount of time it takes Massachusetts DCF to screen a report depends on the department’s response.
Emergency Responses: Massachusetts DCF must screen the report immediately. They must begin their investigation within two (2) hours of receiving the report.
Non-Emergency Response: Massachusetts DCF has one day (24 hours) to screen the report. The Department has three (3) days to begin their investigation.
What does Massachusetts DCF do during the Screening Process?
During the screening process, the Department is supposed to do the following:
- Take notes on the reporter’s reasons for reporting the family and other concerns
- Review the child and their family’s history with child protective services agencies throughout the country.
- Do a background check on the family with help from law enforcement
- Conduct a “Criminal Offender Record Information” (CORI) report on the family for any criminal history.
- Conduct a “Sex Offender Registry Information” (SORI) report on the family.
- Contact collaterals who may be familiar with the family (e.g., neighbors, relatives, friends, doctors, and teachers)
- Browse through the family’s social media accounts and online presence. After the screening process, Massachusetts DCF has the necessary information to “screen in” or “screen out” the 51A report. Massachusetts DCF typically screens in a report due to the “reasonable cause” evidentiary standard. This means that the level of proof required for the Department to determine whether the report of child abuse or neglect should be investigated is very low. Massachusetts DCF has the duty to launch an investigation to ensure the child’s safety appropriately in every situation.
What Does it Mean When a Report is “Screened In”?
It means Massachusetts DCF has a reasonable cause to believe that the child abuse allegations are true. After the report is screened in, the case is assigned to a social worker who will investigate the family.
The course of the Massachusetts DCF 51 B investigation will be based on whether the report required an emergency or a non-emergency response.
When Does Massachusetts DCF “Screen In” a Report Immediately?
Massachusetts DCF must screen the report immediately for emergency responses. They must begin their investigation within two (2) hours of receiving the report. For non-emergency responses, Massachusetts DCF has one day (24 hours) to screen the report. The Department has three (3) days to begin their investigation. A report will be screened in immediately when the 51A report describes a serious incident of child abuse or neglect. That includes when a child may have been affected by any of the following:
- Domestic violence
- Sexual abuse
- Sexual contact
- Serious neglect
When a report indicates that a parent has been using crystal methamphetamines (or “crystal meth”) or Crack cocaine (or “crack”), Massachusetts DCF will immediately screen in the report. Massachusetts DCF also chooses to immediately screen in reports when there are drugs in a newborn baby’s system. This includes when the newborn is:
- Suffering withdrawal from opiates (e.g., heroin, oxycodone, codeine).
- Withdrawing from barbiturates (e.g., sleeping pills, anxiety medication).
- Suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome.
- Testing or has tested positive for drugs in a toxicity test.
- Found to have THC (marijuana) in their blood
Massachusetts DCF can be called if drugs are found in a newborn’s system.
What Does it Mean When a Report is “Screened Out”?
It means that the case does not go any further. The allegations are not investigated, and the family is free of any further DCF involvement. This is often a crucial moment in the fight against DCF, as it signifies that the accusations were not substantial enough to warrant a full DCF investigation process. 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.
