Massachusetts
curated resources for Christian ministries striving to prevent child abuse
What is Considered Child Abuse in the State of Massachusetts
Massachusetts law defines abuse or neglect of a child under age 18 to include non-accidental acts by a caregiver causing or creating a substantial risk of physical or emotional injury (including sexual abuse), neglect (failure to provide minimally adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision), physical dependence of a newborn on an addictive drug at birth, a sexually-exploited child, or a child who is a victim of human trafficking.
(Source: Child Welfare Information Gateway — Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect: Massachusetts. )
Requirements for Churches and Clergy
Clergy, ordained or licensed ministers, leaders of a church or religious body, and accredited Christian Science practitioners are included among those who must report when acting in a capacity that makes them mandated reporters (for example when supervising, educating, counseling children). The law recognizes a clergy-penitent privilege such that communications made solely in a confidential confession need not be reported; however, when the clergy is acting in a role that makes them a mandated reporter otherwise, the duty to report applies.
Mandatory Reporting Laws
When a mandated reporter reasonably believes that a child has been abused or neglected, they must immediately make an oral report to the local office of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) or the Child-At-Risk Hotline, and then file a written report within 48 hours of the oral report. A mandated reporter who willfully fails to report cases involving serious bodily injury or death may face fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment in the house of correction for up to 2½ years. Non‐professionally licensed persons may face fines up to $1,000 for failure to report. Clergy who receive information only via privileged communications (confession) are exempt from reporting that information.
(Source: Mass.gov – Report child abuse or neglect as a mandated reporter.)
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Definitions include:
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Physical or emotional injury from non-accidental acts by a caregiver.
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Sexual abuse/exploitation, including human trafficking of a child.
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Neglect, including failure to provide minimal essential care.
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Child born physically dependent on an addictive drug at birth.
Churches are encouraged to adopt safe-environment policies, train clergy and volunteers on recognizing and reporting suspected abuse, and post visible information (e.g., hotline number) about abuse reporting. While Massachusetts law does not prescribe church-specific prevention policy in statute, guidance materials recommend background screening, dual-adult supervision of minors, and mandated-reporter training for staff and volunteers.
SCHOOL GUIDELINES
Who Must Report in Schools?
School personnel—including teachers, educational administrators, guidance or family counselors, day-care workers, school nurses, coaches, aides, and volunteers—who are mandated reporters under the law must report suspected abuse or neglect. Also, any person who has reasonable cause to believe abuse/neglect has occurred may file a report (even if not a mandated reporter).
Mandatory Reporting Laws
School employees who reasonably suspect that a child is suffering from abuse or neglect must immediately make an oral report to DCF or the Child-At-Risk Hotline (1-800-792-5200). After that, a written report (Form 51A) must be submitted within 48 hours. If there is an immediate safety threat, law enforcement should also be contacted. The employer may not retaliate against a mandated reporter who files a report in good faith.
(Source: Report child abuse or neglect page. )
Definitions and Prevention Requirements
Schools must use the statutory definitions of abuse and neglect (see above) and ensure that staff are trained to recognize and report suspected abuse or neglect. Internal school protocols should be established so that if a school has designated a person to receive reports, it ensures that the report is forwarded to DCF; however the mandated reporter may also report directly to DCF if needed. Prevention best practices include background screening, safe-environment policies, age-appropriate abuse prevention education for students, and prompt external reporting rather than internal investigation.
(Source: Joint advisory DESE/DCF.)
Public Health Context: Child Abuse in Massachusetts
According to the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report of the Office of the Child Advocate, Massachusetts continues to face significant child welfare challenges including caseloads in the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and investigative timelines. Additionally, a report published in April 2024 by the Child Welfare League of America (using 2022 data) noted that Massachusetts had 22,075 child victims of abuse or neglect, at a rate of 16.5 per 1,000 children; neglect constituted 87.7 % of those cases. The data underscore the importance of timely reporting, strong prevention policies, and coordination across systems.
(Source: Office of the Child Advocate FY 2024 Annual Report.)
How to make a report in the state of Massachusetts
Every state has their own process for filing reports involving abuse. See the below for your states guidance.
Call Immediately:
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Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) 24-Hour Child-at-Risk Hotline:
1-800-792-5200 — available 24/7 statewide. -
Emergency? Call 911 first.
After Making the Call –
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Mandated reporters must also file a written report within 48 hours using the
“51A Report of Child Abuse or Neglect” form. -
Submit the written report to the local DCF Area Office (addresses available at: https://www.mass.gov/dcf).
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Do not email reports — use fax, mail, or in-person delivery.
Have This Information Ready:
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Child’s name, age, and address
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Description of suspected abuse or neglect
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Names of parents/caregivers, if known
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Any immediate safety or medical concerns
Additional Notes:
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Massachusetts law requires all mandated reporters (including school staff, medical professionals, clergy, social workers, and law enforcement) to report immediately when they suspect abuse or neglect.
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Good faith reporters are immune from civil or criminal liability and may request confidentiality, though mandated reporters must provide their name for follow-up.
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
Uncompromising Protection: Elevating Child Safety Standards
In a world where child protection is paramount, ECAP is elevating child protection standards, ensuring a secure and nurturing environment in Christian ministries.
Every aspect of life adheres to specific standards – whether it be technology, education, finances, or industry practices.
In Jesus’ teachings, He imparted immense value to children, emphasizing the significance of their well-being. Reflecting on this profound truth, a compelling question emerges: Shouldn’t child protection be upheld to an even higher standard than these other areas, considering the blessing of children?
Join Us in the Fight to Protect the Next Generation.
Transforming child safety measures, ECAP is empowering Christian churches, schools, and camps nationwide to embrace an elevated standard of care.
Together, let’s shield our children from harm and create a brighter, safer tomorrow!
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Information updated on 8.17.2025
