Report Abuse
Anyone who suspects a child is being abused can and should file a 51A Report with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), but professionals who have been designated as mandated reporters are required by law to do so.
To Report Suspected or Known Child Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation:
Step 1:
Immediately telephone the 24-hour DCF Child Protection Hotline at 1-800-792-5200 or local DCF office. You will find a directory of the DCF Area Offices at www.mass.gov/dcf. Area Offices are staffed between 9 AM and 5 PM on weekdays. The DCF Hotline is always available, even on weekends and holidays.
Step 2:
All Mandated Reporters are required by law to mail or fax a written report using the following form to the Department within 48 hours after making the oral report: Report of Child(ren) Alleged to be Suffering from Abuse or Neglect.
For more information, see: A Mandated Reporter's Guide to Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting.
In Hampshire County call:
(Huntington, Southampton)
(Belchertown, Granby, South Hadley, Ware)
(Amherst, Chesterfield, Cummington, Easthampton, Goshen, Hadley, Hatfield, Middlefield, Northampton, Pelham, Plainfield, Westhampton, Williamsburg, Worthington)
24 Hour Hotline:
(800) 792-5200
In Hampshire County, call:
413-775-5000
(Amherst, Chesterfield, Cummington,
Easthampton, Goshen, Hadley,
Hatfield, Middlefield, Northampton, Pelham, Plainfield,
Westhampton, Williamsburg, Worthington)
413-493-2600
(Huntington, Southampton)
413-205-0500
(Belchertown, Granby, South Hadley, Ware)