How Does DCF Investigate Allegations of DCF Child Sexual Abuse in MA?
MA DCF Child Sexual Abuse includes actions parents and caretakers don’t realize is sexual abuse. The Department’s official definition of “sexual abuse” is: “Any non-accidental act by a caregiver upon a child that constitutes a sexual offense under the laws of the Commonwealth or any sexual contact between a caregiver and a child for whom the caregiver is responsible.” Child sexual abuse also includes making a child a victim of sexual exploitation or sex trafficking.
But there is nothing worse than an adult sexually abusing a child. So, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (MA DCF) takes child sexual abuse allegations extremely seriously. DCF must send all child sexual abuse reports to local law enforcement, such as the police and the District Attorney. What this means is that you can be arrested and have a criminal record when DCF accuses you of sexually abusing a child.
That is why false allegations of child sexual abuse can act like an atomic bomb on a family. When faced with such a situation, remember that you have to turn negatives into positives and fight these allegations. It’s going to take a plan and some backbone, but it’s absolutely possible.
Where Did The DCF Child Sexual Abuse Allegations Come From?
A mandated reporter is bound by law to report anything they think might be abuse or neglect. They cannot report anonymously. These people can be doctors, nurses, licensed therapists and counselors, teachers, or police officers.
A non-mandated reporter can either have their name on the report, or they can report anonymously.
Some anonymous reporters will call DCF to make a false report of physical abuse in order to hurt the parent or caregiver. This only ends up hurting families most. While we can never know the identity of an anonymous reporter, remember that they are sheep.
Regardless of who makes the allegations, DCF acts with a mentality of “better safe than sorry.” This is to cover their own tracks in the event allegations are true. However, this can be devastating for parents facing false allegations. Anytime DCF receives a report of sexual assault, the DCF will refer the case to the District Attorney’s office for possible criminal charges and jail time.
How does DCF investigate MA DCF child sexual abuse allegations?
When someone accuses a caregiver of sexual assault, the DCF will conduct a SAIN interview with the child. The DCF does the SAIN interview to reduce the number of interviews the child has to go through. It eliminates having to repeat any trauma.
Parents and caregivers are not allowed to be present during the interview. Even though the interview will be recorded, they cannot watch the interview afterwards.
DCF can decide to interview the kids at their school. They do this because they believe this gives them the truth. If kids are interviewed at home, DCF will believe that the kids may not give truthful answers because they are with the parent or parents.
DCF will also interview people called collaterals. These people can be family members, friends, teachers, and anyone who may know you and your kids. They will ask about you, your relationship with your kids, and any suspicions they may have. They will use this information to determine whether or not the allegations may be true, and if you are a fit parent.
What comes next?
The moment that DCF calls you, you need to make a plan and find legal representation. It is important to remain calm and collected. Failing to plan is planning to fail, and a DCF lawyer can help you stick to that plan and keep your kids.
Your kids do not belong in a foster care home with complete strangers. They belong at home with you. No matter how dark this may feel – you cannot forget your goal to get MA DCF out of your life forever.
Kevin Seaver is a trusted Massachusetts DCF lawyer specialized in DCF law 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.