The MA DCF Screening Process

What is the MA DCF Screening Process?

The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (MA DCF) uses the “screening process.” The process occurs during, or after the report is called in by a mandated, non-mandated, or anonymous reporter.

The screening process should determine whether:

  1. The report meets the department’s criteria of child abuse or neglect
    MA DCF Screening Process
    Abuse takes many forms. As a result, can range in severity.

    (the allegations are “reportable conditions”)

  2. There are concerns for or threats to a child’s safety and well-being 
  3. The allegations require an emergency or non-emergency response

The response dictates how quickly the Department will begin the investigation. Emergency responses are for when there is immediate danger to the child’s safety and well-being. Non-emergency responses are for when there is a potential, but not immediate, threat to the child’s safety and well-being. 

How Long Does the MA DCF Screening Process Take?

The amount of time it takes MA DCF to screen a report depends on the department’s response. For emergency responses, MA DCF must screen the report immediately. They must begin their investigation within two (2) hours of receiving the report. For non-emergency responses, MA DCF has one day (24 hours) to screen the report. The Department has three (3) days to begin their investigation.

What does MA DCF do during the Screening Process?

During the screening process, the Department is supposed to do the following:

  1. Take notes on the reporter’s reasons for reporting the family and other concerns
  2. Review the child and their family’s history with child protective services agencies throughout the country.
  3. Do a background check on the family with help from law enforcement 
  4. Conduct a CORI report (“Criminal Offender Record Information”) on the family for any criminal history.
  5. Conduct a SORI report (“Sex Offender Registry Information”) on the family.
  6. Contact collaterals who may be familiar with the family (e.g. neighbors, relatives, friends, doctors, and teachers)
  7. Browse through the family’s social media accounts and online presence.

After the screening process, MA DCF has the necessary information to “screen in” or “screen out” the 51A report. MA DCF typically screens in a report due to the “reasonable cause” evidentiary standard. This means that the level of proof required for the Department to determine whether the report of child abuse or neglect should be investigated is very low. MA DCF has the duty to launch an investigation to ensure the child’s safety appropriately in every situation.

What Does it Mean When a Report is “Screened In”?

When a report is screened in, it means MA DCF has a reasonable cause to believe that the child abuse allegations are true. After the report is screened in, the case is assigned to a social worker who will investigate the family. The course of the MA DCF 51 B investigation will be based on whether the report required an emergency or a non-emergency response.

When Does MA DCF “Screen In” a Report Immediately?

MA DCF must screen the report immediately for emergency responses, They must begin their investigation within two (2) hours of receiving the report. For non-emergency responses, MA DCF has one day (24 hours) to screen the report. The Department has three (3) days to begin their investigation. A report will be screened in immediately when the 51A report describes a serious incident of child abuse or neglect. That includes when a child may have been affected by any of the following:

  • Domestic violence
  • Sexual abuse
  • Sexual contact
  • Serious neglect

When a report indicates that a parent has been using crystal methamphetamines (or “crystal meth”) or Crack cocaine (or “crack”), MA DCF will immediately screen in the report.

MA DCF also chooses to immediately screen in reports when there are drugs in a newborn baby’s system. This includes when the newborn is:

  • Suffering withdrawal from opiates (e.g. heroin, oxycodone, codeine).
    MA DCF Screening Process
    MA DCF can be called if drugs are found in a newborn’s system
  • Withdrawing from barbiturates (e.g. sleeping pills, anxiety medication).
  • Suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome.
  • Testing or has tested positive for drugs in a toxicity test.
  • Found to have THC (marijuana) in their blood

 

What Does it Mean When a Report is “Screened Out”?

When the report is “screened out,” the case does not go any further. The allegations are not investigated, and the family is free of any further DCF involvement.

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

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.