Court Referral
Effective Jan 6, 2023Mass. Register #1486MGL c. 18B MGL c. 66A MGL c. 119, §§ 23(A), 51A through F, 39E through J MGL c. 210, § 2Massachusetts Department of Children & Families
- (1) Where a child, or the child and the child’s parent(s), apply for Department services, as a result of a court referral, the Department shall treat the application in the same manner as a voluntary application for services, (110 CMR 4.01 through 4.11). A court referral generally occurs when the probation officer instructs the child or the child’s family to contact the Department and apply for services.
- (2) If any child is referred to the Department for services under circumstances which indicate the child may be in need of care and protection, the Department shall hold a case conference determine if legal action is warranted, and thereafter the Department may initiate court proceedings under M.G.L. c. 119.