What are my rights as a parent contacted by DCF?
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) works to protect children, improve child and family wellbeing, and help keep families together.
We want you to know that you have these rights as a parent:
- You don't have to allow a DCF employee into your residence.
- You don't have to speak with a DCF employee.
- You can get the advice of a lawyer and have that lawyer with you when a DCF employee asks you questions.
- Any statement you or your family make to a DCF employee may be used against you in court or administrative proceedings.
- A DCF social worker is not an attorney and cannot provide you with legal advice.
- You don't have to sign any document given to you by a DCF employee and you are entitled to have your lawyer review any document before you sign it.
If you decide you won't talk to a DCF employee:
We may ask a court to allow us to remove your child from your home. Please either speak with the DCF employee or immediately get advice from a lawyer.
If you don't agree with a DCF decision:
Contact the Office of Community Relations.
For more details:
- Arabic (PDF)
- Chinese (PDF)
- English (PDF)
- French (PDF)
- Haitian (PDF)
- Portuguese (PDF)
- Spanish (PDF)
- Vietnamese (PDF)