MA DCF Non-Emergency Responses

What is a Non-Emergency Response?

Non-emergency responses” are response decisions by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (MA DCF). A non-emergency response means that the reported child’s health, well-being or safety is not in immediate danger, but MA DCF will still investigate the allegations and become involved with the reported family. It’s important for parents to understand what are my rights during a DCF investigation to ensure they are fully informed and prepared for the process.

When does MA DCF Determine that a Report Requires a Non-Emergency Response?

MA DCF determines a 51A report requires a “non-emergency” response after the report goes through the screening process. A “non-emergency response” indicates that a child is not in immediate danger, but might be at risk of abuse or neglect.

What are Examples of Non-Emergency Cases?

The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (MA DCF) will determine that a report requires a non emergency response when a child might be experiencing abuse or neglect but are not showing noticeable signs. Examples of when MA DCF determines a report requires a non-emergency response are when:

  • The child did not make an official disclosure of sexual abuse: There was a child who told her mom that her dad touches her butt after she uses the bathroom, without toilet paper. The mom disclosed this to her daughter’s pediatrician who did not observe any irritation, redness, or marks in the child’s genital area. MA DCF screened in the report as a non emergency response for sexual abuse. 
  • There were no observed effects of any physical abuse on the child: The child’s biological father reported to DCF that the child’s stepfather would punch the child and throw him into walls. The child did not have any marks or bruises. The child only made the report to the biological father and no one else. The Department screened the report as a non emergency response for physical abuse.
  • There were no observed effects of any neglect on the child: A mother wanted to get her son on the school bus. The bus driver saw the mom grab the son’s wrist who was yelling and crying. The son dropped to the ground though the mom didn’t push him down. The mom forced the child to get on the bus. The child’s teacher saw that he was engaged in class and that he did not show physical signs of distress. MA DCF screened in the report as a non emergency response to ensure the child’s emotional needs are not being neglected at all.

How Long Does MA DCF Have to Determine That a Report Requires a Non Emergency Response?

MA DCF has twenty-four (24) hours, or one (1) day, after receiving the 51A report of child abuse to screen it in as a non-emergency response. This does not include weekends or holidays. When MA DCF receives a report on Thursday, they must screen in the report as a non-emergency response by Friday. When MA DCF receives a report on Friday, they have until Monday to “screen in” the report.

 

What Happens After MA DCF labels a Report as a Non Emergency Response?

After MA DCF labels a report as a non-emergency response, they will begin a non-emergency investigation. MA DCF will go to the child’s home to determine:

  • The identities of the reported children
  • The nature, existence, cause, and extent of the alleged abuse or neglect
  • The identities of the alleged perpetrators
  • The identities and conditions of all children in the home

MA DCF will also interview everyone who can give them relevant information on the reported family. The Department calls these individuals “collateral contacts” or “collaterals”. Collaterals can be relatives, friends, neighbors, your child’s teachers, your child’s pediatricians, or your and your child’s therapist.

 

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.