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Health & Fitness

Who Can Report an Allegation of Child Abuse Against my Family to The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF)?

Question: I just received a call from DCF about allegations of child abuse filed against me. How did DCF find out about my family?

 

Answer: There are three ways that The Department of Children and Families (DCF) usually becomes involved with a family. This may occur either through a mandated, non-mandated or anonymous reporter making a report concerning allegations of suspected child abuse.

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A mandated reporter is a person who due to his/her employment is required by law to report their suspicion of child abuse to DCF.  Examples of these professionals include but are not limited to the following: police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, teachers, therapists, social workers, and foster parents. The law puts a serious burden on these professionals to report suspected child abuse due to their important roles in our society.

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A non-mandated reporter and an anonymous reporter are not required by law to report suspected child abuse. A person can report suspected child abuse and/or neglect to DCF WITHOUT providing his/her name, address, or any other personal information in what is called an anonymous report. There is no identifying information about the anonymous reporter. These anonymous reports can be very problematic. This anonymous reporter could be an angry family member, a jealous ex, disgruntled neighbor or others who are seeking retaliation.

 

If you don’t know what your legal rights are, you have no legal rights. Protect your legal rights versus the Department of Children and Families by contacting Attorney Kevin Patrick Seaver. Attorney Seaver will aggressively advocate for your rights so you do not have to go through this alone. If you have questions or need assistance with DCF, contact Attorney Seaver at 617.263.2633, or at kevin@kevinseaver.com

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