Icpm General Fact Sheet PDF
Icpm General Fact Sheet PDF
Icpm General Fact Sheet PDF
factsheet
DCF Core Values
Child-Driven
Family Centered
Strength-Based
Community Connected
Committed to Cultural
competence and
Diversity
Committed to
Continuous
Learning and Quality
Improvement
DCF Priorities
Safely stabilizing and
preserving families
Safely reunifying
families;
Safely
creating new families
fact sheet
www.mass.gov/dcf
for general information
or to find a DCF Area
Office
Child-At-Risk-Hotline:
1-800-792-5200
DCF OMBUDSMAN:
617-748-2444,
9 am 5 pm, weekdays
for inquiries about
agency programs,
policies or service
delivery.
1. The report is screened. The purpose of screening is to determine if the allegation meets
DCFs criteria for suspected abuse and/or neglect, if there is immediate danger to the child and
whether DCF involvement is necessary. During screening, which begins immediately, DCF
obtains information from the person filing the report and also contacts professionals involved
with the family (e.g., doctors, teachers). DCF may also contact the family if appropriate. A
report may be screened-out if it does not meet the criteria for a reportable concern or the
definition of a caretaker. Families may also be referred for appropriate community services as
needed.
2. If the report is screened-in, it is assigned either for a Child Protective
3. A determination is made as to whether the child can safely remain at home and whether
the family would benefit from continued DCF involvement. If DCF involvement continues, a
Comprehensive Assessment and Service Plan are developed with the family.
Some families come to the attention of the Department outside the 51A process. These cases
are generally referred directly for a Comprehensive Assessment and include: Child in Need of
Services (CHINS) cases referred by the Juvenile Court, cases referred by the Probate Court,
babies surrendered under the Safe Haven Act, and voluntary requests for services by a
parent/family.
We are following well established state and national trends in moving away from a one size fits all
approach to child welfare. Our new model allows us to focus on the unique needs and strengths of each
family, while targeting our resources in the most effective way to keep kids safe and families together.
Angelo McClain, Commissioner
October 2009