Subject: Urgent DCF Policy Reform Needed to Protect Children: Mandate Disclosure of Registry Status to Adults Living with Alleged Perpetrators

Dear Governor Healey & Members of Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities,

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out today to highlight a deeply concerning issue within our child welfare system, an issue that demands immediate attention and reform to safeguard the well-being of our children.

The current process for adding individuals to the Registry of Alleged Perpetrators maintained by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is a stringent one. According to the established criteria:

(a) The Department must determine that a report of alleged child abuse or neglect is supported and refer the report to the District Attorney under M.G.L. c. 119, § 51B(k).

(b) There must be substantial evidence indicating that the individual to be listed in the Registry was responsible for the reported abuse or neglect. Substantial evidence, as defined by M.G.L. c. 30A, § 1(6), is evidence that a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.

Once added to the Registry of Alleged Perpetrators, an individual remains listed for an astounding 75 years unless the decision is reversed through the Fair Hearing and Grievances process outlined in 110 CMR 10.00 or by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Source: https://www.mass.gov/doc/110-cmr-4-intake/download

This stringent process underscores the gravity of being listed on the Registry and the significant implications it carries for individuals and those around them. However, despite the seriousness of this designation, the current policy fails to ensure that relevant parties are informed, leaving potential risks unchecked and children vulnerable to harm.

The personal impact of this oversight is painfully real for me.  When my ex was added to the list in 2013 I was never informed of his status.  Tragically, this lack of transparency led to my minor children being ignored and exposed to a dangerous environment.  In 2022, my ex was charged with indecent assault and battery on a minor under the age of 14.  Had I been made aware of his status, that little girl would not have had to endure his sickening abuse.  

I urgently advocate for policy reform that mandates automatic investigations into the environments of children living with listed individuals and requires the disclosure of Registry status to all adults in the household. These critical changes are essential to prevent further abuse and protect our children from harm.

I implore you to consider the challenges and risks posed by the current policy and to support the necessary reforms that will ensure the safety and well-being of our children.

I have recently started a petition which can be found here: https://chng.it/rDMZ7SKd4n

Thank you for your time and dedication to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Ms. Dresden Renaud