More than likely that is including looking at the sleeping areas and cabinets. It is important that medication is put away safely, ideally in a medication safe, depending on the age of the children; that there is no alcohol or drugs present; the house is somewhat tidy; and it is helpful if there are age […]

Failing to take the investigation seriously. Even if the allegation is false and the worker is inexperienced, be careful of your contact with DCF, your behavior with DCF and your answer to questions if you decide to be interviewed. It is important to be as calm and polite as possible, not showing a lot of […]

Even with intact families, there are often conflicts over what seem to be minor issues like “what’s for dinner?” However, in divorce and high conflict custody cases parenting styles may come into major disagreement arising from differences in religion, medication, sports, etc. Often parents cannot compromise and request that a judge get involved in what […]

This can be a complicated question depending on the allegations and what would likely be found.  Sometimes I have had cases that have been unsupported even when someone comes back with a positive for things such as marijuana. When the allegations are more serious drug use there is a question about whether you want to […]

One of the problems that you see is that DCF is trying to investigate your life and having screening questions to ask for broad based questions about all types of abuse and neglect.  Even if the allegation is false about why DCF originally came in, they find that the child or children are still at […]

Typically, it does not keep the case from being investigated.  Although, DCF is aware that there can be ulterior motives, such as a breakup with a significant other or dispute between neighbors and that have things to do with other than the welfare of the child.  It is important to be able to advocate this […]

The Answer is, it depends.  It depends on your part of the definition.  DCF can screen-out 51A Investigation; although that is not that common, but some examples for that might be that it doesn’t need the legal threshold such as; it is an allegation where there is no allegation against the caretaker or guardian. There […]

This in large part depends on the practice of the Court.  There is something called “Third-Party Custody” where one of the parties including child’s counsel can make the request for a Third-Party Custody hearing.  Some Judges allow this as part of a 72-hour hearing, other Judges ask for after the parents 72-hour hearing is completed. […]

One a key provision of the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Reform Act is raising the minimum age a child can be held criminally responsible; which used to be 7 and is now 12 and tried in Juvenile Court.   Bail Reform is where attorneys, judges and people within the court system would see that many indigent […]

What is a list of some of the Factors that the Court Look at in terms of Custody?           Again, the Courts look at what is in the best interest of the child. Some of the factors include: each parents financial and physical ability; to provide the children with both essentials and beyond such as […]