MA DCF Anonymous Reporters - Law Office of Kevin Seaver

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.

Who are Anonymous Reporters?

Anonymous reporters are non-mandated reporters who do not want to disclose their identity to the Massachusetts DCF. They are anyone who is a mandated reporter. Just like non-mandated reporters, they can file a 51A report against a family when they choose to. They just need to have a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect for DCF to screen in the 51A report.

When Do Anonymous Reporters Report to DCF?

People report to Massachusetts DCF anonymously when they think it is necessary to protect their identity. Anonymous reporting protects the reporter from direct confrontation. Unfortunately, anonymous reports can be made out of revenge or hatred. There are many cases where a high-conflict divorce or custody battle leads to bad blood between parents. One parent may try to gain leverage against the other by making anonymous false claims. They use DCF is used as a sword rather than a shield, the child ends up getting hurt the most in the end. This is one of the pitfalls of anonymous reporting.

Can a Mandated Reporter Report Abuse Anonymously?

Mandated reporters cannot be anonymous. Mandated reporters must tell DCF who they are and give them their contact and identification information. Only non-mandated reporters can be anonymous reporters. Mandatory reporting laws clearly state that all mandated reporters must provide Massachusetts DCF with their identification and contact information.

How Do People Report to Massachusetts DCF Anonymously?

People anonymously report to DCF by not providing their name or other contact information when they make the report. They can make a phone call or write an email or letter to their:

Local police station;
Local DCF area office; or
The 24/7 DCF Child-At-Risk Hotline

Do You Have to Notify the Parents that You Made a Report Anonymously?

Anonymous reporters do not have to tell parents when they made a report against them to Massachusetts DCF. DCF will not reveal the identity of the individual who filed the report.

What If I Know the Identity of Who Filed an Anonymous Report of my Allegations?

It doesn’t matter whether or not you know the identity of the person who anonymously reported you to Massachusetts DCF. Knowing that will not help your investigation. When Massachusetts DCF starts an investigation against you, and you know who reported you, it is in your best interest not to go after the reporter. Even when you know for a fact that the report is false, it is up to DCF to determine that.

disclaimer

Remember that the ultimate goal of DCF is to ensure the safety and well-being of children while supporting families in crisis.

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.

Who are Anonymous Reporters?

Anonymous reporters are non mandated reporters who do not want to disclose their identity to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (MA DCF). They are anyone who is a mandated reporter. Just like non mandated reporters, they can file a 51A report against a family when they choose to. They just need to have a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect for DCF to screen in the 51A report.

When Do Anonymous Reporters Report to DCF?

People choose to report to MA DCF anonymously when they think it is necessary to protect their identity.

Anonymous reporting protects the reporter from direct confrontation. Unfortunately, anonymous reports can be made out of revenge or hatred. There are many cases where a high conflict divorce or custody battle leads to bad blood between parents. One parent may try to gain leverage against the other by making anonymous false claims. They use DCF is used as a sword rather than a shield, the child ends up getting hurt the most in the end. This is one of the pitfalls of anonymous reporting.

Can a Mandated Reporter Report Abuse Anonymously?

Mandated reporters cannot be anonymous. Mandated reporters must tell DCF who they are and give them their contact and identification information. Only non mandated reporters can be anonymous reporters. Mandatory reporting laws clearly state that all mandated reporters must provide MA DCF with their identification and contact information.

How Do People Report to MA DCF Anonymously?

People anonymously report to DCF by not providing their name or other contact information when they make the report. They can make a phone call, or write an email or letter to their:

Local police station;
Local DCF area office; or
The 24/7 DCF Child-At-Risk Hotline

Do You have to Notify the Parents that You Made a Report Anonymously?

Anonymous reporters do not have to tell parents when they made a report against them to MA DCF. DCF will not reveal the identity of the individual who filed the report. Based on the information you provide however, the parent can figure out who you are.

What if I Know the Identity of Who Filed an Anonymous Report of my Allegations?

It doesn’t matter whether or not you know the identity of the person who anonymously reported you to MA DCF. This is because knowing that will not help your investigation. When MA DCF starts an investigation against you, and you know who reported you, it is in your best interest not to go after the reporter. Even when you know for a fact that the report is false, it is up to DCF to determine that.

Kevin Seaver is a trusted MA DCF Attorney Specializing in DCF Law since 1991.