Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts
51a complaint
I work at a day care center and last week one of the parents to a child in my room filed a 51a against me for neglect. The reason being that her child was bitten twice on the face within a two month period so she said I was neglecting to watch the children. The DCF investigated the situation and determined it was unsupported. My question is does that parent have the right to appeal that descion? Is there any other legal steps should could make towards me? This parent was very upset about the situation so I'm still a little nervous that she will find another way to get to me. These children are around 18 months and is very common for them to bite at this age. The parent does not understand that I feel very bad about her child be bitten. But at the same time it is very heart breaking for me to think that I would neglect the care of children in my care. This has been very stressful. I do care about the welfare of the childrenl.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: 51a complaint
The determination that neglect was not supported is at its end from the DCF point of view. This does not mean that outraged parents might not try other courses, but the likelihood of that is less -- and the likelihood of success is fairly low.
You should relax now and try to move on a bit.
Re: 51a complaint
I think you asked this question before.
You should consult an attorney.