There have been more case law and findings where there are allegations that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of Civil Rights and the U.S. Department of Justice has found at times that DCF has discriminated; including, against a developmentally delayed mother, by assuming that she was unable or unsafely on how to […]

It is a question and answer session. It is not the same as a regular conversation that you would be having. There generally will be a question and you can take a moment to think about the question, then answer it. It should not feel like a normal conversation, you want to make sure you […]

Every situation is different and there are some websites and/or lawyers that promote audio taping DCF when they come to your home. In reality, it is not something that I would generally recommend; as both in Massachusetts it is a state that requires all parties have to consent to a taping and it is extremely […]

A Deposition is a question and answer session with the other side’s attorney.  The attorney for the other side will ask you questions that you will give answers to.  There will be a court reporter (Stenographer) taking all the information and keeping a record of everything that is being said in the deposition.  What Kinds […]

You can hire an attorney to represent you.  At the Fair Hearing you can call witnesses and Subpoena the witnesses; you can get a copy of the DCF records, including the 51A and 51B. The hearing is usually two hours or less in length at the local DCF office where the allegations were supported. Usually, […]

In Massachusetts a Mandated Reporters has to contact DCF when in their professional capacity they reasonably have constant belief that a child under the age of 18 is suffering from neglect and/or abuse.  There is supposed to be an oral report filed immediately and a written report filed within 48 hours.  Further, the Mandated Reporter […]

It is important to realize that the DCF worker is not your friend.  You do not have to get along with the person; you don’t have to like him or her; in fact, it is rare that that occurs. DCF can attempt to hold it against you if you do not cooperate with your worker. […]

It can be overwhelming, upsetting and confusing to receive divorce paperwork even if you are expecting a divorce, never mind if you were unaware. It may be very emotional and easy to ignore or act inappropriately. However, there are some important steps to prepare and respond. You should keep track of when you receive the […]

DCF does have an office of Ombudsman.  It does allow parents or guardians who feel that DCF’s been unfair or unjust, and you have not been able to resolve it with the local DCF office, you can call (617) 748-2444, but some of their decisions is on a less formal than a Fair Hearing.

You can file an Appeal requesting a “Fair Hearing”.  This is your opportunity to argue about the DCF decision.  There will be an Administrative Hearing Officer, who is not involved with the case, who will decide whether DCF was correct or incorrect under the law and the facts.  If you are successful, then DCF Fair […]