Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Can I lose my job?

I am a teacher at a daycare center. One of the parents in my room has files 51a complaint against me for neglect. Her child has been bitten twice on the face by the same child. The DCF is investigating this and I cannot go to work during this investigation. My work is telling me everything will be fine. This has never happened before at my center. Do I need a lawyer. Am I going to be allowed back to work ? Is this going to have any negative affects on my name? I know very little about a 51a and have never been in any sort of trouble in my life. I am upset that this parent thinks that I was not watching her child properly. The children are 14 months to 24 months. It takes a split second for these little ones bite. Is my job taking this too lightly. How long does the investigation process take?


Asked on 4/12/09, 5:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Can I lose my job?

The Short answer is yes, you could lose your job. When such a complaint is filed DSS will investigate. The will issue a finding and decide what if any action should be taken. Assuming the finding is negative, you will not lose your job. What they decide can impact your employment.

You should contact an attorney in your area that deals with these types of matters to determine what you should do if anything. The attorney should give you some direction in cooperating with the investigation.

It is unclear how or what caused the bites. This will be relevant to the investigation. Again I suggest you contact an attorney who has dealt with DSS or similar matters. This is not my area of expertise, but if you cannot find someone, I would be happy to recommend someone to you.

Good luck.

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Answered on 4/12/09, 6:15 pm


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