follow up with patient son on fikle report to dcf

What happens when DCF receives a report of abuse or neglect?

When the Department of Children and Families (DCF) receives a report of child abuse or neglect from a mandated reporter or another concerned citizen, DCF is required to evaluate the allegations and determine the safety of the children. What will I be asked when I file a report?

What happens when DCF opens a case?

If DCF conducts an investigation and finds that the child is being abused or neglected, they will assign a social worker to the family and open a case with them. DCF will work with the family to choose goals and develop an action plan that will help them meet those goals.

How does a court refer a child to DCF?

Court referrals can come from cases where a parent voluntarily surrenders a child or if a child has been abandoned by a parent or guardian. Courts can also refer a child to DCF if a child is committed by the juvenile court and found in need of foster care or a Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) case.

What are supported allegations in a DCF case?

Supported DCF allegations, regardless of how true or false, can cause a parent to lose custody of their child. Parents have the option of trying to reverse supported allegations against them at a Fair Hearing. You have thirty (30) days to appeal for a Fair Hearing after receiving the letter about the supported allegations against you.

Which of the following individuals is most likely to be a perpetrator responsible for neglect?

The most common perpetrator relationship to the victim cited in a child abuse and neglect cases is that of the child's mother and the father is the second most common.

How Long Does DCF have to investigate a case in FL?

within 60 daysHow long is an investigation? The investigation regarding your child is required to be completed within 60 days, except in cases involving a child death, missing child, or when law enforcement has an open criminal investigation.

What is substantiated concern?

A “substantiated concern” is a way for DCF to stay involved with a family. DCF's ongoing involvement with the family includes home visits with a social worker and talking to other family members. A substantiated concern is not the same as a supported decision.

How Long Does DCF have to investigate a case in MA?

They have 24 hours to screen-in the report as a non-emergency response. After that, they have two business days to begin the investigation and must complete the DCF investigation within 15 business days.

What happens when a parent is reported to social services?

If they suspect a child might be at risk of harm, they have to look into the child's situation and take steps to keep them safe. They might decide to put the child on a protection plan. They may interview or medically examine your child without you present.

How Long Does DCF have to respond to a report in Florida?

Non-Emergency Investigation: Must begin within three working days of receipt of report and be completed within 15 working days.

What allegation can receive the outcome of substantiate concern?

“Substantiated Concern” finding means: Allegation(s): Reasonable cause to believe a child(ren) was neglected, and. Actions/inactions of parent(s)/caregiver(s) create potential for abuse or neglect but there is no immediate danger to child's safety or well-being.

What happens when abuse is substantiated?

A finding of substantiated concern provides grounds for continuing intervention by DCF in the child and/or caregiver's family and other interactions with children. A finding of substantiated concern that occurs after an initial 51A/51B investigation for neglect or abuse results in the creation of a “new case” at DCF.

How is abuse substantiated?

Child maltreatment includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. A case of child maltreatment is considered substantiated when a state investigation supports the maltreatment claim by state law or policy (US DHHS, 2016). Definitions of child abuse and neglect vary from state to state.

What are the 4 types of child neglect?

What is Neglect? ... Types of Child Neglect.Physical Neglect. ... Educational Neglect. ... Emotional Neglect. ... Medical Neglect. ... What You Can Do to Help.

How long does DCF case stay open in Massachusetts?

At the end of the assessment, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (MA DCF) will review their original “supported for abuse/neglect” decision. After the forty-five (45) days of the assessment, DCF can do three (3) things: keep the case open. close the case and overturn the allegations.

Can you record DCF in Massachusetts?

0:462:22Can I Record My DCF Worker In a DCF Investigation in Massachusetts?YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd so united states wiretapping federal wiretapping statute requires you to ask permission ofMoreAnd so united states wiretapping federal wiretapping statute requires you to ask permission of anyone that you're going to record in massachusetts that includes social workers.

What does DCF determine?

DCF will determine if there is an immediate concern for child safety, and if a “report able condition” exists (i.e., there is information that a child may have been abused and/or neglected by a caregiver, or that a child may have been or may be at risk of sexual exploitation or human trafficking).

What is DCF action?

Actions DCF takes when child abuse or neglect is reported . When the Department of Children and Families (DCF) receives a report of child abuse or neglect from a mandated reporter or another concerned citizen, DCF is required to evaluate the allegations and determine the safety of the children.

What is the purpose of DCF?

The purpose of the screening process is to gather sufficient information to determine whether the allegation meets the criteria of suspected abuse or neglect, and whether there is immediate danger to the safety of a child. Upon receiving a report, DCF immediately begins to “screen“ the report .

How long does it take for a DCF to respond?

How quickly DCF responds is based upon the severity of the allegations of abuse or neglect. Emergency Response – DCF will assess child safety within 2 hours, visit and interview family within 24 hours, and may take up to 5 business days to complete other response activities and the report. Non-Emergency Response – DCF will assess child safety ...

What is an allegation of neglect?

Allegation (s): Reasonable cause to believe a child (ren) was neglected, and. Actions/inactions of parent (s)/caregiver (s) create potential for abuse or neglect but there is no immediate danger to child’s safety or well-being. Person (s) responsible:

What is the nature and extent of suspected abuse or neglect?

The nature and extent of the suspected abuse or neglect, including any evidence or knowledge of prior injury, abuse, maltreatment, or neglect. Circumstances under which you became aware of injuries, abuse, or neglect. Dates and/or timeframes in which the maltreatment may have occurred.

Is DCF intervention needed?

Person believed to be responsible for the abuse or neglect was not a caregiver. DCF Intervention is not needed to safeguard child (ren)’s safety and well-being. DCF does not open a new case but family may apply for DCF voluntary services, or DCF may refer family to community services.

What does DCF do after receiving a report?

Social workers. Clergy. After receiving a report, DCF reviews the report and decides if they will conduct an investigation. If DCF conducts an investigation and finds that the child is being abused or neglected, they will assign a social worker to the family and open a case with them.

Who can contact DCF?

Anyone who is looking for services for their child or family can contact their local DCF area office for help. However, in most cases, DCF comes into contact with children and families in the following ways: 51A Reports.

What is a 51A report?

51A Reports. When someone calls DCF to report suspected child abuse or neglect, a 51A report is filed (named for its statute, M.G.L. Ch. 119, 51A) Anyone can call DCF to file a 51A report, but there are some people that are legally required to file a report if they suspect abuse or neglect.

What does DCF do?

DCF can also make referrals to immigration and special education services, and can assist families in need of stable housing. For children who cannot remain in their homes, DCF offers foster care and congregate care placements (group homes). DCF also provides support for families interested in adopting a child or applying for guardianship.

How to contact the MA Child Abuse Emergency Line?

MA Child Abuse Emergency Line 1-800-792-5200: If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, contact the MA Child Abuse Emergency Line to file a report. Area Office Directory: Use this link to find the DCF area office that is closest to where you live.

What is the MA child abuse line?

If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, call the MA Child Abuse Emergency Line: 1-800-792-5200. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) works in partnership with families and communities to keep children safe from abuse and neglect. DCF also supports young adults ages 18-22 who are transitioning out of DCF care ...

What is DCF in the community?

These services can be in-home or based in the community, and include mentors, in-home therapists, and transportation services . DCF can also make referrals to immigration and special education services, ...

What is DCF hotline?

Produced by Massachusetts Law Reform Institute. Reviewed June 2021. DCF has a 24 hour, 7 days a week hotline system for receiving reports. People often call a report to DCF a “51A” report because the reporting law is in section 51A of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119.

Can you be held responsible for a child's neglect?

You did not abuse or neglect the child you are reporting about. If DCF, the district attorney , or a judge decides that you abused or neglected the child, you can be held responsible in a civil or criminal case. If you file a false report, the person you named in the report may sue you for money damages in civil court.

Do you have to report domestic violence to DCF?

You do not need to report all families living with domestic violence to DCF. When a caretaker is overwhelmed by domestic violence, reporting to DCF can make things worse for the caretaker or the child. People who commit domestic violence make it very hard for caretakers, their friends, and families to protect children.

Mandated Reporters

Mandated reporters due to their work and close relationship with children are required by law to file with The Department of Children and Families (DCF) when they suspect abuse and/or neglect of a child. When a mandated reporter has “reasonable cause” to believe that a child has been abused or neglected they must report to DCF.

What happens when a mandated reporter fails to report abuse or neglect?

Mandated reporters who fail to report suspected abuse or neglect may be fined. This fine may be up to $1,000. If the mandated reporter willfully fails to report child abuse or neglect that resulted in serious bodily injury or death, the fine may be up to $5,000. The mandated reporter may also face jail up to 2 ½ years.

Who is a mandated reporter?

The mandated reporting law includes those who work closely with children. The occupations covered are: school personnel, law enforcement, therapists, day-care providers, probation officers, social workers, clergy, and the child’s advocate.

Who is a non-mandated reporter?

Any person not mandated by law to report suspected abuse or neglect may file with The Department of Children and Families (DCF). Non-mandated reporters include:

Anonymous reporter

An anonymous reporter is a non-mandated reporter. An anonymous reporter can call DCF at any time, report an abuse, and does not have to provide DCF with any information, not even their name or contact information. DCF is obligated to follow through with all allegations even if they are coming from an anonymous caller.

How to report child abuse in Florida?

Report Abuse Online. TEL: 1-800-962-2873. TTY: 711 or 1-800-955-8771. FAX: 1-800-914-0004. The Florida Abuse Hotline accepts reports 24 hours a day and 7 days a week of known or suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment and reports of known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

How to report adult abuse?

Report Adult Abuse Online. If you suspect or know of a child or vulnerable adult in immediate danger, call 911. Any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a child is abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent, legal custodian, caregiver, or other person responsible for the child's welfare is a mandatory reporter.

What is DCF in family court?

DCF is very cognizant of the goings on in family court proceedings and their investigators give due regard to the fact that many people call in false abuse or neglect reports to gain an advantage in family court.

What to do if you are not represented by DCF?

If you are not represented, and there is no action recommended by DCF, you might want to ask your family court judge if he or she is interested in seeing the report.

How long do you have to subpoena a DCF?

If you are in active family court or domestic violence litigation during the pendency of the DCF investigation, do not attempt to subpoena DCF until those 60 days have passed, they are unable to comment or testify with regard to an active investigation, and you will waste your time and the subpoena fee.

How long do you have to wait to take a call after it was placed?

Mark your calendar for 60 days after the call was placed (you may need to ask the investigator when the call was placed). In 60 days , you have the right to request a copy of the written report rendered by the DCF investigator. If classes are offered to help you improve your parenting, take them.

Can DCF take kids away from parents?

Remember that DCF (the Florida Department of Children and Families) is a governmental agency, but it still must go to Court to be able to take children away from parents.

Can a judge read a DCF report?

In some circumstances, they will already have a copy, in other types of cases, the judge might not be able to read the report unless a DCF worker testifies as to its authenticity. This means you might have to subpoena the DCF worker to testify as to the report.

What happens after a report is filed?

What Might Happen after a Report is Filed? Usually the identity of the person who filed the report remains confidential. Typically CPS and/or police do not share information with anybody about the progress of an investigation – even with a protective parent.

What does it mean when a child abuse report is screened in?

When a report is “screened in,” it means that protective authorities will follow up with an investigation.

Why do CPS have a preliminary investigation?

Sometimes there is a “preliminary” investigation to gather more information to determine whether or not they will proceed with a full investigation. However, when it is judged that there is no immediate danger to a child, CPS is allowed more time before they begin an investigation.

What happens when a child is sexually abused?

If the investigation indicates that a child has been sexually abused, interventions are taken to protect the child from immediate harm. Police are also involved when criminal acts have taken place. Once the child is out of immediate danger, CPS decides what kind of follow-up actions are needed to keep the child safe.

How long does it take to report child abuse?

When the protective authorities decide that the report may indicate child abuse, they must investigate the suspected abuse within a time period specified by state law, typically within 24 or 48 hours or up to 5 days, depending on the state.

Where should a child be interviewed?

The child interview. Interviews of the child should be held in locations where children feel safe. Generally, a child is not interviewed in their home; however, they may be interviewed at their school or therapist’s office.

Is it safe to remove a child from your home?

Remember that removing a child is always the very last resort that is considered. This is only done when it is confirmed that a child is not safe in their home due to the protective adult’s inability to prevent harm or adequately care for the child.

What to do if a DCFS agent cannot produce a warrant?

It makes their task of finding needed evidence against you so much easier! If the CPS/DCFS government agent cannot produce a warrant, firmly but politely tell them that they will have to remain outside until a warrant is presented. They will be annoyed. But you will be far better off – legally.

Why would you buckle to the pressure of a CPS agent’s demands to have you admit to false accusations?

If you are innocent of neglect or abuse why would you buckle to the pressure of a CPS agent’s demands to have you admit to false accusations? If you are accused or charged with neglect because someone has informed the county CPS system that you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, the social worker who is investigating those accusations may have good-reason to be concerned for your kids’ safety.

What is an angry demeanor toward a CPS social worker?

An angry demeanor toward the CPS social worker or DCFS investigator is considered evidence of your guilt. Your perfectly natural, upset and angry reaction to being accused of harming your child will very OFTEN BE USED as evidence of your violent and abusive personality.

What happens when a government investigator knocks on your door?

As government is getting bigger and bigger every year they are getting more and more powerful and intrusive in the lives of ordinary citizen s. We are all a bit nervous and threatened by the power of the state as we witness weekly examples of government power wielded unfairly on Investigative TV News programs and in the lives of our own families and friends.

Can you record what a child said or did not say?

Subjective reports of what a child said or did not say is hardly ever adequate. Ask that any interrogation be recorded. You could produce your own recorder (as a back-up) just in case the CPS or DCFS investigator “loses” their tape between the interrogation and a subsequent court hearing where you might have “wished” that you had such a tape.

Can a CPS take your kids?

In criminal law it is ALWAYS strongly suggested that you talk to NO ONE but your attorney. Think about it. Virtually ALL CHARGES that CPS or DCFS levels against you are CRIMINAL CHARGES. And while CPS or DCFS is there ONLY to take your kids, the police can and often will show up later for the parents! In fact, open your mouth and tell the CPS investigator just enough to “make their case” and you can start packing an overnight case as the police will be called by CPS who will be at your door to take you away.

What happens if you don't talk to the police?

If you don’t talk to them –just as you are always told to never voluntarily talk with the police if they are accusing you of a crime– you take their power away. They will not be able to use your own admissions, statements, and your very words against you.