Definitions
This term refers to a caregiver’s failure to provide minimally adequate food, shelter, supervision, or care.
Neglect
This is the first step in protective intake where information is gathered to determine if a response is needed.
Screening
This role is responsible for completing the response and assessing safety and risk.
Response worker
This stage follows screening and involves investigating allegations.
Response
In an emergency response, the Response Worker must initiate the response within this timeframe after receiving the report.
Within 2 hours
This term describes a situation where a caregiver’s actions may result in immediate harm to a child.
Danger
Screening determines whether this legal threshold exists under Massachusetts law.
Reportable condition
This role supports screening decisions and assigns reports after screening.
Intake supervisor
During response, the Department determines if there is this standard under MGL c. 119 §51B.
reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect occurred
In a non-emergency response, the Response Worker must initiate the response within this timeframe.
This is defined as a condition where a caregiver’s actions protect a child from harm.
Safety
The primary purpose of screening is to assess this immediate concern.
Child Safety
This role gathers information, consults with supervisors, and documents screening decisions.
Screener
The Department’s first priority during response is addressing this.
immediate child safety
In an emergency response, the reported child must be seen and interviewed within this timeframe.
2-4 hours
This term refers to a collection of facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe abuse or neglect occurred.
reasonable cause to believe
The office responsible for screening is typically based on this factor
Where the child resides or If a report involves an open case, screening responsibility shifts to the office with the open case.
This role reviews response decisions and provides supervision during the response.
Response supervisor
This includes evaluating both current danger and this future-oriented concept.
Risk
In a non-emergency response, the reported child must be seen within this timeframe.
Within 3 working days
This database contains identifying information on children and families involved in reports to the Department.
Central Registry
Mandated reporters must submit a written report within this time frame after an oral report.
48 hours
This role makes final decisions when there is disagreement between staff
APM
This term refers to the caregiver’s ability to safely meet the child’s needs and is assessed using protective factors.
Parental Capacities
In an emergency response, all children in the home must be interviewed and safety initially assessed within this timeframe.
Within 24 hours