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Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families


Division of Family Services

Information for Professionals




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Law Enforcement

How DFS works with Law Enforcement:

  1. DFS and/or law enforcement will conduct an investigation for any report that involves an offense against a child;
  2. The Department of Justice (DOJ) will decide if there is enough evidence to prosecute criminally or civilly; and
  3. Whenever appropriate, cases will also be referred to the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) for a forensic interview, medical exam, and/or mental health screening.

When more than one entity is involved in the same investigation, the participants are known as a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).

MOU for the Multidisciplinary Response to Child Abuse and Neglect

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Medical Personnel

Hospital High-Risk Medical Discharge Protocol

Mental Health / Developmental Disabilities

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Education Professionals

Memorandum of Understanding between DFS – DOE, local and charter schools