When Child Protection Comes
G.L. c. 119, § 51B — within 2 hours in an emergency, and otherwise 2 business days to begin and 15 to decide
An emergency. When there is reasonable cause to believe a child's health or safety is in immediate danger, the investigation commences within 2 hours of initial contact, and an interim report on the child's safety and custody is completed within 24 hours.
Otherwise. When there is no such cause, the investigation commences within 2 business days of initial contact, and a determination is made within 15 business days, unless a waiver is approved or law enforcement requests one.
Removal of a child, emergency custody, and the court hearings that follow are set out in other parts of the law that are not on this page. What a particular investigation means for a family is a question for a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- G.L. c. 119, § 51B — Investigation of report of abuse
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.