What Happens When a Mandated Reporters Fail to Report to DCF?

Mandated reporters have an important requirement to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child to Department of Children and Families (DCF). It may sound simple and straightforward, but you’ll be surprised to learn how many cases can go unreported. In one incident, a school’s superintendent and supervisor failed to report suspected child abuse to DCF.

Their roles in the school system made them mandated reporters – meaning they have a legal obligation to report suspected abuse – yet both failed to do so. The school supervisor and superintendent soon discovered that failure to report abuse may not only harm children but is also punishable by law. This situation underscores the importance of understanding the DCF investigation process, especially for professionals in positions of trust and authority.

The superintendent and school supervisor were charged with “failing to report abuse by a mandatory reporter” after both remained silent while aware of an incident that had transpired between a student and the school psychologist. The investigation began when the student alleged that the school psychologist had an inappropriate conversation with her about sex toys and a “sex shop”. The student informed her mother about the conversation and the mother then contacted the school superintendent to initiate an investigation.

The superintendent assured the parent that an investigation would take place. The superintendent further stated that “the district will be calling the department of children and families.” Despite this statement, DCF was not contacted until the parent followed up a second time. According to the police involved in the case, the conversation the student had with the psychologist was not “criminal” in itself. Yet, more importantly, the failure to report to DCF by the mandated reporter, was a violation of the law.

Mandated reporters have an affirmative duty to file a report with DCF when they suspect child abuse. They may or may not believe the allegations to be true, but it is not up to them to decide whether abuse or neglect is present. It is up to DCF to carry out an investigation in order to decide whether or not to support the allegations. Mandated reports are only required to make a report when they have reason to believe abuse or neglect may be present.

Each state has laws in place that require specific groups of professionals who work with children to report any suspected abuse to DCF. These laws are put in place not only to protect children, but to also provide DCF with quality information about said abuse for their investigations. Children are counting on us to be their advocates. As a moral imperative, it is the right thing to do.

By standing up for these children, your actions can be the difference needed in their life. It is always in the best interest of the child for mandated reporters to report suspected child abuse. Mandated reporters are a part of a larger system that is designed to protect and take care of children. Don’t stay silent. When you think you see signs of abuse or neglect, stand up and be an advocate for that child. Understanding what are my rights during a DCF investigation

Kevin Seaver is an experienced, trusted lawyer who successfully represents clients against DCF from Boston, Massachusetts. Call Kevin at (617) 263-2633 or request a Consultation online!

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.

2 thoughts on “What Happens When a Mandated Reporters Fail to Report to DCF?

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    Kathryn says:

    If she smoked a joint they would have been there because they are fighting the war in drugs, not protecting children. They’re punishing children because of their parents addiction/sickness/status kidnapping them then forcing them into a life of traumatic. Stress syndrome, tape, abuse and pain far worse then a mother smoking marijuana to self medicate could ever affect then. The judges don’t even know the constitution and are too busy “judging” Rather than the actual laws and of course “we the people” are so dumbed down, lazy and uninspired that we allow it!

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    DR TROY FUERST says:

    NOTHING HAPPENS in SD. Gretchen Hartmann of Sioux Falls Psychological was told Explicitly by her child client that he was being sexually abused by his father. Medical reports confirmed it. She later testified in Court that she was told of the abuse but never reported it. I presented this evidence to the SD Board that is Suppose To oversee counselors/therapists did NOTHING, even with court transcripts of the Violations.

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