What Is A MA DCF 51B Report?

What is a 51B Investigation?

DCF calls their investigations a 51B investigation. And they call the person doing the investigation, a DCF 51B investigator or response worker. DCF looks upon the case under the statute, which is Mass general laws chapter 119 section 51B hence the name of the investigation. That’s what the rules and regulations and policy that requires DCF to investigate.

So one thing you’re going to be clear when DCF calls you and knocks on your door and says, we’re doing an investigation, they’re coming. It’s like the British are coming from Paul Revere. So you need to understand that DCF is coming out to ask you as the parent or caretaker questions. They’re going to ask you a child, the children, and asked them about conditions of the home and view the home. And then they’re going to write a report at the end of that.

You also must understand there’s different types of investigations. There’s an emergency investigation, which they must see the child within 24 hours, as well as you to see the child’s condition to determine whether or not the child’s at serious risk of harm, and whether they’re going to file a care and protection in the juvenile court.

They also can file a care and protection, take your children and put them into foster care with a non-emergency. So at any stage, they can remove your children. That should put the fear of God into you to make sure you’re well prepared for DCF. During a non-emergency they must see a child within three working days.

Now they have five days to do the emergency investigation and they have 15 days to finish the non-emergency investigation. But many times they may go beyond that because they have the affirmative duty to the legislation to investigate, to cooperate, or disprove, belie evidence, what the allegations are or are not.

And the conditions of the children, the conditions of your home and look at the statements made by you as well as other collaterals that know your family, know the children, such as teachers, pediatricians, therapists, coaches, you name it, people that know the kids. They want to speak to them. They want to speak to collaterals and make sure they’re doing the right thing.

Now this is not an easy job by DCF. Make no mistake about that. It’s a very difficult job. Child abuse and neglect is tough, but so is DCF. They can be very tough, but you don’t have to be. Now DCF, not your friend. They don’t have to be your enemy. You want to be able to work with them, to get them in your life and out of your life without taking the children. That’s the real key to any investigation with DCF.

If you derive benefits from this video, please help others and share these videos so they also can receive benefits. I also kindly asked you join my free group on Facebook, Successfully Fight Child Protective Services. I also want you to join my YouTube channel, which is free weekly videos from the Law Office of Kevin Seaver. If you’d like to hop on a call or email me, my website is below. Thank you.

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.