1. 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 anger, anxiety and being careful not to volunteer more information that you need to. There are advantages and disadvantages on the level of cooperation that you want to do with DCF.

 

  1. Think ahead to time about whether you want to let DCF into your house. You have the right to not allow DCF into your home unless they either have a warrant or there is an emergency. However, there are significant advantages and disadvantages. You can also have an attorney present, have an advocate or someone else present which is a good idea and ask to have it at a time that is convenient to you, and for you to think about it before having someone come into your home.

 

  1. Trying to avoid saying the reasons if you choose not to have DCF come into your home about why you are choosing not to have DCF. It is important though to know your specific rights options and the advantages and disadvantages of using them.

 

  1. It is important for you to ask questions that are important. You should find out the investigators name, phone number, office that they are in, their supervisor, you would want to be able to see the persons identification, more importantly you would want to see what the exact allegations that have been made against you are. It is important to get specific answers.  Again, you want to be polite while doing this.

 

  1. The conversation with DCF in terms of how you keep a record of that. Some attorneys recommend that you record the conversation with DCF. Massachusetts does require permission and typically DCF is going to say no.  Many times, you will not get the consent and it might be beneficial at times to not even ask for it, but it might be very beneficial to have someone that can take notes with your, at the very minimum, if you are not able to have an attorney with you or having somebody there is a support and able to be a witness by taking notes.

 

  1. Don’t assume that DCF has a Court Order. Usually, DCF the first time that they come into your home does not have a Court Order. You can ask them that specific question. Again, not in an antagonistic way, but asking them if they seem to imply that there is a Court Order to ask them about that