Blog Posts in Department of Children and Families

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  • What Does
    What Does "Parental Unfitness" Mean in Massachusetts?

    Massachusetts family law attorney Nicole K. Levy discusses parental unfitness in custody, guardianship and adoption cases. In highly contested divorce and custody cases, I commonly hear parties ...

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  • The Crucial First Steps of a DCF
    The Crucial First Steps of a DCF "51A Investigation" for Child Abuse or Neglect in MA

    Massachusetts family law lawyer Nicole K. Levy reviews the crucial first steps taken by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) after there is a report of child neglect or abuse. For many ...

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  • Feds: Massachusetts has Highest Child Abuse and Neglect Rate in Nation
    Feds: Massachusetts has Highest Child Abuse and Neglect Rate in Nation

    Massachusetts family law lawyer Jason V. Owens reviews new federal data indicating that Massachusetts has the highest rate of child abuse and child neglect in the United States by a substantial ...

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  • Three SJC Justices Blast DCF in Recent “Spanking” Decision
    Three SJC Justices Blast DCF in Recent “Spanking” Decision

    Massachusetts divorce lawyer Jason V. Owens reviews a recent Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision criticizing DCF for the Department’s inconsistent treatment of foster parents. Three justices ...

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  • A Massachusetts Problem: Parental Discipline vs. Child Abuse
    A Massachusetts Problem: Parental Discipline vs. Child Abuse

    Massachusetts family law lawyer Jason V. Owens reviews the growing confusion between “child abuse” and “parental discipline” in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, the lines between child abuse, ...

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  • DCF Wants to Talk to me About my Children. What do I do?
    DCF Wants to Talk to me About my Children. What do I do?

    Massachusetts family law lawyer Nicole K. Levy reviews the choices parents face when the Department of Children and Families (DCF) knocks on the door. Ava Conway-Coxon died while in foster care. ...

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