The “MA DCF Assessment” is a process by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (MA DCF). It is when the Department evaluates a family to see if they should be connected to services based on the family’s problems. DCF should start assessments only for families who they believe to need their help.

DCF will not begin an assessment into a family when the allegations against them were unsupported. DCF will only start an assessment when the allegations are: (a) supported or (b) substantiated concern.

The MA DCF Assessment, is also known as a “family assessment.”  The assessment will help your social worker learn about your family’s unique needs and what kinds of support will help you and your children. With that, your social worker will come up with recommendations for which services or programs you and your family should participate in. These recommendations will be put into an “action plan.”

As part of the assessment, the DCF social worker will interview the family, in person, at least three (3) times within five (5) days. At least two (2) of those interviews will be in the family’s home. The social worker must interview all children in the family at least twice. 

The DCF social worker assigned to the assessment will also interview collateral contacts, such as friends, neighbors, and therapists. The social worker should also interview previous and current service providers, extended family members, and any other sources who can provide relevant information about the family.