Massachusetts mandated reporters who have reasonable cause to believe a child under 18 is suffering abuse or neglect must first report by phone to DCF, then send this written 51A report within 48 hours. It documents the children, caregivers, the nature and extent of the injury or neglect, and related concerns, and goes to the DCF area office serving the child's city or town.
The mandated reporter completes every section, including the reporter block that asks whether the caregiver has been told of the report, and signs it. Nurses, physicians and other professionals whose work brings them into contact with children are mandated reporters; the family completes no part.
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Report of Child(ren) Alleged to be Suffering from Abuse or Neglect (51A report)
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Within 48 hours of the oral report. Mandated reporters must call the DCF area office for the child's city or town immediately, or the Child Abuse Emergency Line after hours, then complete and send the written 51A to the same area office within 48 hours, online, by fax or by mail.
Yes. After calling, mandated reporters can submit the written report and supporting documentation through DCF Partner Services on the Virtual Gateway. You need a MyMassGov account, and first-time filers use a different link from returning filers. Filing online does not replace the required phone call.
The nature and extent of the injury, abuse, maltreatment or neglect, any prior evidence, how the reporter became aware of it, incident dates, a Pedikit number if applicable, actions already taken to treat or shelter the child, and the name, contact details and relationship of the person responsible, if known.