DCF Interviews Conducted at School

CPS Guidance Regarding DCF Interviews Conducted at School

This memo outlines updated guidance for handling Department of Children and Families (DCF) interviews conducted on school grounds.

1. Open Investigations:
In Massachusetts, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) can interview a child at school without parental permission in serious cases of physical or sexual abuse, or if the child expresses a fear of going home, to assess the immediate risk to the child's safety. 

• A member of the counseling staff or a school administrator must be present during the interview.
  
  

2. Open Cases (Ongoing Involvement):
For cases that are already open and under DCF involvement, interviews or visits should generally occur in the home.

• If the DCF caseworker provides a signed Release of Information and presents a reasonable justification  for meeting with the student during the school day, the meeting may take place on a case by case basis.  Routine monthly meetings should occur in the home.

3. DCF Care and Protection:

• If DCF has custody of the student, you may share information and they may come in to meet with the student in school.
  
  

Please direct any questions regarding this guidance to the Office of Student Services.