Massachusetts DCF Defense Lawyer Kevin Seaver has been successfully fighting false child abuse allegations since 1991.
What Is MA DCF Physical Neglect?
The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (MA DCF) will investigate child physical neglect when a caretaker is responsible for a child’s:
- Malnutrition
- Starvation
- Improper hygiene
- Dirty clothes
In other words, physical neglect of a child is anything that puts a chid’s physical development at risk. Usually, MA DCF accuses parents of child physical neglect when they are not providing a child with what they need for basic survival. Other times, MA DCF accuses parents of this kind of neglect when the parent overfeeds or does not recognize the child’s physical needs.
What Signs of Child Physical Neglect Does MA DCF Look For?
When MA DCF observes a child in one of the following conditions, they will probably “support” the allegations:
- Malnutrition
- Lack of food available
- Hazardous or dangerous home
- non- sanitary, or lack of shelter
- Child left under no supervision or under the supervision of people, including family members, that are unable to care for them
- Inappropriate clothing for the weather
- Severe body odor or dirty clothing
- Skin disorders due to improper hygiene
- Untreated injuries
- Failure to thrive
DCF could also “support” the allegations when a child shows one of these behavioral signs:
- Hunger
- Gathering and saving food for later
- Depression
- Apathetic behaviors
- Anti-social
- Childish or immature behavior
- Anger
- Fatigue
- Gaps in development
- Poor growth pattern
- Obesity
- Behavioral extremes
How Does Physical Neglect Affect Children?
Unfortunately, physical neglect of a child can lead to a number of health issues. For example, headaches, gas, and gynecological problems can be the results of improper nutrition. Other health issues from physical neglect include diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, hepatitis, and even strokes.
There are also many mental health issues that child physical neglect can lead to. These include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Dissociative disorders
- Alcohol and substance abuse issues
- Personality disorders
- Aggressive and violent tendencies
- Obesity
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Psychosis
- Obesity
- Suicidal behavior
On the other hand, aggressive or violent behavior are results of physical neglect too.
How Should Parents Handle MA DCF Neglect Allegations?
When dealing with MA DCF neglect allegations, parents should prove they are serious about caring for their child. The best way to show DCF that you are a good parent is by giving DCF all the necessary information to prove your child is safe and happy with you. Finding your own supports and resources can help as well.
Kevin Seaver is a trusted MA DCF Attorney Specializing 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.
