Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect
Below you will find various, step-by-step resources for reporting child abuse or neglect. Anyone who suspects a child is being abused can and should file a 51A Report with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), but professionals who have been designated as mandated reporters are required by law to do so.
Call 9-1-1 if there is immediate danger, and leave the location immediately if you do not feel safe with the person.
What do I do if I suspect a child is being abused or neglected?
First, immediately call the 24-Hour DCF Child Protection Hotline at (800) 792-5200 or your local DCF office that serves the area where the child lives during business hours. You will find a directory of the DCF Area Offices at www.mass.gov/dcf. Area Offices are staffed between 9 AM and 5 PM on weekdays.
When do I report?
Report if you suspect a child is experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation. You do not need to be certain in order to report. All Mandated Reporters are required by law to mail or fax a written report using the following form to the Department within 48 hours after making the oral report: Report of Child(ren) Alleged to be Suffering from Abuse or Neglect. Mandated reporters are professionals working in roles that encounter children who are required by Massachusetts law to report any concerns of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation to DCF. Anyone can file a report, regardless of whether they are a mandated reporter.
What will I be asked when I report?
The DCF screener will ask you to provide:
Your name, relationship (if any) to the child(ren), address, and phone number
Names, ages of the child(ren) about whom you have a concern and emergency contact information for them, language(s) spoken
Names, addresses, contact information, ages, language(s) spoken of parents/guardians of the child(ren)
Names and ages of other children in the family
Details about your concern – “What are your worries?”
The nature and extent of the suspected abuse or neglect, including any evidence or knowledge of prior injury, abuse, maltreatment, or neglect
Circumstances under which you became aware of injuries, abuse, or neglect
Dates and/or timeframes in which the maltreatment may have occurred
Action(s) taken thus far to treat, shelter, or otherwise assist the child(ren)
The identity of the person you believe may be responsible for the abuse / neglect (if known)
Any other information you believe might be helpful in establishing the cause of the injury and/or person responsible, or for making safe contact with the family
Any other information you believe would be helpful to ensuring the child’s safety and/or supporting the family to address the abuse and/or neglect concerns
What are the warning signs of abuse and neglect?
You can review DCF’s guide regarding signs of physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation or human trafficking at: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/warning-signs-of-child-abuse-and-neglect
What happens after I make a report?
DCF, with the support of a multi-disciplinary team, will review the report to evaluate the circumstances to determine the child’s safety and needs and whether DCF involvement is warranted.
For more information, visit: https://www.suffolkcac.org/support-resources/reporting-abuse