Child Abuse and Neglect Publications

A Three-Tiered Approach

The publication below explains the Department of Children and Families' overarching strategy to implement and grow a child welfare practice that reflects its six core practice values within all three organizational tiers of its practice: the clinical, the managerial, and the systemic tiers.

• A Three-Tiered Approach to Developing a Family-Centered Child Welfare Practice (PDF) | RTF

Child Abuse and Neglect Booklet

The following publication provides detailed information on the typical warning signs of child abuse and neglect, legal channels available for reporting child abuse and neglect, Massachusetts state and national resources; Massachusetts General Laws pertaining to child protection, suggested additional readings, and the various ways that the Department of Children and Families can help protect children from abuse and neglect.

• Child Abuse Hurts Us All: Recognizing, Reporting and Preventing Child Abuse (PDF) | Word 2.13MB

Mandated Reporters Guide 

Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Form (51A Report)

If you need to report potential or actual child abuse or neglect, please complete and send this two-page reporting form to any of the Department of Children and Families offices located through Massachusetts. Reports may also be made orally by calling the DCF Child-at-Risk 24-hour Hotline at 1-(800)-792-5200. Please note that even if you have reported orally by telephone or in person, it is necessary to complete and send this written form to the DCF within 48 hours of making your oral report.

• Report of Child(ren) Alleged to be Suffering from Serious Physical or Emotional Injury by Abuse or Neglect (PDF) | RTF

Child Protective Services: A Parent's Guide

This Guide explains the role of the Department of Children and Families' social workers and other staff who team together to serve you and your family.  The Guide also explains why an investigation may be taking place, a family's options and rights during the investigation, the potential outcomes of an investigation, as well as other related procedures and rights involving the Family Assessment, fair hearings, and the grievance process.

• Parents Guide to Child Protective Services (PDF) | RTF 1.68MB

Child Welfare and Domestic Violence: Promising Approaches Publication

This publication provides a framework for mandated reporters to; create family centered approaches when domestic violence is identified, offer guidance to assist mandated reporters in considering the impact domestic violence has on children, identify the most helpful interventions and assess if/when child welfare should be involved.