Massachusetts law requires mandated reporters to immediately make an oral report to DCF when, in their professional capacity, they have reasonable cause to believe that a child under the age of 18 is suffering from abuse or neglect. Mandated reporters must also submit a written report to DCF within 48 hours.
Examples of mandated reporters can be teacher, doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, police officers and so forth. Within 48 hours of making the oral report, the mandated reporter needs to complete a written report to the applicable local DCF office.
