What happens after I report suspected child abuse?
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) works to protect children, improve child and family wellbeing, and help families stay together.
We immediately evaluate all reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or imminent risk. DCF makes its best effort to begin an investigation:
- Within two hours if there is an imminent risk of physical harm to a child or another emergency
- Within three days for all other reports
In all cases:
- DCF must complete its investigation in 45 calendar days.
- DCF and law enforcement must minimize the number of interviews with any child.
- DCF must obtain consent from the parent, guardian, or person responsible for the child's care for any interview unless DCF believes that person or a member of the child's household is the alleged perpetrator.
- When consent is not required, the interview must be conducted in the presence of a 'disinterested adult' (someone who is impartial and has no self-interest in the case).
- If a disinterested adult isn’t available and immediate access is necessary to protect the child, DCF or law enforcement will still interview the child.
If the investigation determines serious physical abuse or sexual abuse occurred, DCF must:
- Notify the local police
- Notify the Chief State's Attorney or their designee or a state's attorney in the judicial district where the child lives or in which the abuse occurred
- Send them both a copy of the investigation report