Safe Environment Strategies: Supervision
Along with site safety, visibility issues, physical access, and security procedures, supervision is a critical aspect of creating and maintaining…
Child sexual abuse is a difficult topic. If you find yourself triggered by any of the website’s content, please stop and take the time you need to talk with someone to get support. If you need help now, please contact one of these resources today.
Home / Reporting / Massachusetts Law on Reporting Requirements
Mandated reporters are required to immediately report suspicions of child abuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) by phone, followed by a written report (called a 51A) within 48 hours, when in their professional capacity they have “reasonable cause to believe that a child is suffering physical or emotional injury resulting from:
The law also makes clear that “if a mandated reporter is a member of the staff of a medical or other public or private institution, school, or facility, the mandated reporter may instead notify the person or designated agent in charge of such institution, school, or facility who shall become responsible for notifying the Department in the manner required by this section. A mandated reporter may, in addition to filing a report under this section, contact local law enforcement authorities or the [Office of the] Child Advocate about the suspected abuse or neglect.” Fines of up to $1,000 can punish mandated reporters who fail to report.
Reporters are not expected to be investigators. It’s important to note that this legal language requires the reporting of suspected abuse to DCF. No state, including Massachusetts, requires the reporter to have conclusive proof that the abuse or neglect occurred before reporting. The law is clear: Reports must be made when abuse is observed, or the reporter “suspects” or “has reasonable cause to believe” that a child has been or is being harmed. If a reporter asks the child too many questions, or for greater detail so they feel more confident before filing a report, the child may become confused or re-traumatized. The child may have a sense that they are not believed, or—in the worst case—could stop talking completely. The job of investigation should be left to the professionals at DCF and law enforcement, who are trained in interviewing children and youth who have been victims of trauma. Incidents must be reported as soon as they are noticed or suspected. The benefit of the doubt is always given to the suspected victim, and waiting for conclusive proof may put the child/youth at further risk.
Mandated reporters are also protected under the law. If the report is made in good faith, mandated reporters are protected from liability in any civil or criminal action, and from any discriminatory or retaliatory actions by an employer—even if the report is deemed unfounded after investigation. The name of the reporter is not disclosed by DCF to the parents/guardians of a child who is the subject of the report.
Safe Environments
Along with site safety, visibility issues, physical access, and security procedures, supervision is a critical aspect of creating and maintaining…
Training
Parents and other caregivers need to receive, at a minimum, the same level of prevention education as their child/youth. Parents can be strong…
Monitoring Behavior
Monitoring Behavior is the responsibility of all staff to hold each other accountable for appropriate behaviors and to report inappropriate conduct…
Screening & Hiring
Your Youth-Serving Organization (YSO) should create protocols for the application, interviewing, and screening process. Each step of the process…
Policies & Procedures
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 1 suggests that implementing a child sexual abuse prevention policy and making the changes necessary to…
Monitoring Behavior
Your organization will need to be prepared to respond to interactions observed among youth and between employees/volunteers and youth. With a…
Sustainability
Community interaction and involvement is important in maintaining a culture of safety surrounding your Youth-Serving Organization (YSO). In order to…
Code of Conduct
Your Code of Ethics helps to guide the behavior and decision-making of your staff, volunteers, and participants by clarifying the standards and…
Code of Conduct
Your Code of Conduct is an essential tool to help you ensure the safety of the children and youth in your care, and prevent child sexual abuse.
Safe Environments
Physically safe spaces, with proper supervision, are required to maintain safety standards at your Youth-Serving Organization (YSO). Ensure policies…
Customized child sexual abuse prevention guidelines to meet the unique needs of any organization that serves children.
Learning Center Registration
Sign up for an account and start your learning experience.
Free Online Assessment
Let us help you find out where to start.