How Long Can DCF Keep a Case Open in Massachusetts?

It can be nerve-wracking to have an open case with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (commonly known as DCF). You want to get as much information as possible but it might feel like that’s an uphill battle. The truth is that DCF can keep a case open as long as it is deemed necessary. There’s no hard limit to how long a case can stay open as long as there are continuing reasons for the organization’s involvement in the case. DCF cases can be confusing and bring chaos into your family’s life. That is one of the reasons why it’s so important to to have someone help you through the process.

If you do have an active and ongoing DCF case, there are some very specific rules that the Department of Children and Families has to follow. They have regulations that pertain only to the department of Children and Families that have to do with their own inner workings and the way that they interact with clients and families, foster families, and anybody that they would come into contact with involved parties. And if you don’t have someone who is knowledgeable about the workings of the entire organization, then you can be at a disadvantage, because then it puts you in a position of not knowing exactly how to manage the case to get it to close as soon as possible.

In terms of having your DCF case managed, having a family law attorney working with you is often the way to get you the best result in the quickest amount of time with the least amount of impact on you, your children, and the rest of your family.

I worked with DCF before joining the team at O’Connor Family Law and I’ve worked on DCF cases for over a decade now. We know the chaos that these cases can cause and we’re here to help you through it. Reach out to us at 774-703-3755 to schedule a case evaluation for your DCF case ASAP.

About the Author

Lakeshia Parker Small is a Family Law Attorney at O’Connor Family Law. With over a decade of experience with DCF cases, she has a deep understanding of Massachusetts DCF cases and has a deep passion for helping families navigate their DCF and custody cases to reach resolutions as efficiently as possible.