Attorney Greening is available for consultation and technical assistance on issues related to reports of abuse or neglect filed on parents or caregivers.
The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families investigates families for allegations of abuse or neglect. These allegations are commonly called “51A Reports.” These reports can come from many sources, including anonymous reports, but the main source of these reports are “mandated reporters.”
Mandated reporters are required by state law to report to DCF if they suspect a child is being abused or neglected. Social workers, police, doctors, medical/health workers, public safety workers, teachers, and childcare workers are all mandated reporters.
A mandated reporter who fails to report child abuse and neglect can face civil and criminal penalties including fines and jail time.
More information on Mandated Reporting