Boston DCF Investigations Lawyers
What are DCF investigations?
Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigations are searches and inquiries on a family's treatment of their child.
Why is there an investigation on my family?
Usually, theses investigations are prompted by a "referral" from a public school, neighbor, hospital, or police station who are concerned that a child may be abused or neglected at home. But, DCF investigation might also be started by someone holding a grudge against you, in which case your case is all the more solidified.
Also, when parents or guardians are charged with crimes, the Massachusetts DCF may investigate the condition and safety of a child as a result. This is to ensure that the children are well-cared for and safe, regardless of their parents' crimes.
What rights do I have?
During a DCF meeting in your home, you have the right to have an attorney present. We at Russell and Associates will assist you in attending such meetings so that your rights are protected.
How will the DCF contact me to initiate the investigation?
The DCF will use many ways to contact you-- sending letters, leaving cards on your front door, coming to your house, sending a police officer to intimidate you, or appearing at the child's school to speak with the child directly. The last and emergency resort is appearing at the child's school, which the DCF should not do except in the case of dire emergency-- but it is done often anyways.
What should I do when I am contacted?
First, you should contact an attorney. It is not suggested that you ever speak to the DCF or sign any documents without a lawyer present to inform you of your rights or to review the documents. From there, the attorney will work with you to try to provide evidence to the DCF that the child was neither abused nor neglected.
What is the process of DCF investigation like?
After the initial contact, the DCF will take thirty days to gather evidence to determine whether there has been abuse or neglect. At the end of the thirty days, the DCF will decide. If there is reason to believe that there has been abuse or neglect, the DCF will "substantiate" you, which may lead to your placement on their Central Registry.
Following the investigation and decision, a case may be closed or kept open, depending on the need for services.
In certain situations, the DCF may file a petition against you in the Juvenile Court.
Therefore, it is essential that you have an attorney on your side to defend and represent you. Without one, you are left vulnerable to the accusations of the DCF.
