Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families Logo Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families

Division of Family Services

Information for Professionals




Law Enforcement

A female police officer in a dark colored uniform standing in front of a patrol car

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

Medical Personnel

A medical doctor holding a stethescope examing a child with their mother

Medical Personnel

Hospital High-Risk Medical Discharge Protocol

Education Professionals

A female instructor and a student pointing to the screen on a laptop

Education Professionals

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