## Report Child Abuse, Neglect or Maltreatment

Massachusetts law requires mandated reporters file a report of child abuse or neglect to the Department of Children and Families anytime there is reasonable cause to believe that a child is suffering abuse, neglect and/or maltreatment. This report is known as a 51A report (referring to Chapter 119, Section 51A of the Massachusetts General Laws).

- All 51A reports must be made initially with a phone call to Child at Risk Hotline (1.800.792.5200) and then followed up with the [written report](/sites/default/files/DCF-51A-FormToReport-childAbuse.doc).
- The written 51A reports should be faxed to the appropriate [DCF office](http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dcf/contact-us/dss-directory.html) within 24 hours of the telephone report.
- [51A Form to Report Child Abuse or Maltreatment (EDITABLE)](/sites/default/files/DCF-51A-FormToReport-childAbuse.doc)
- [DCF Regional and Area Offices](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-children-families/locations?_page=1)
- [Support to End Exploitation Now (SEEN) Coalition](https://www.suffolkcac.org/) (FAQ's and Guide to Responding to Exploited Youth)
    - [SEEN Coalition Frequently Asked Questions](/sites/default/files/SEEN-51-A-FAQ-for-Mandated-Reporters.pdf)
    - [SEEN Coalition Guide to Responding to Exploited Youth](/sites/default/files/SEEN-Responding-to-Exploited-Youth-Guide.pdf)

If you are a BMC provider or staff member, please go to <https://hub.bmc.org/programs/child-protection-team/how-report-child-abuse-neglect-or-maltreatment> for additional information.