Working with the District Attorney and Law Enforcement

(1) M.G.L. c. 119, § 51B(k) requires that the Department notify and provide information to the appropriate District Attorney and local law enforcement concerning certain enumerated conditions caused by child abuse or neglect, or if the child may be a victim of human trafficking or sexual exploitation. The Department may, on a discretionary basis, notify the District Attorney or local law enforcement concerning other possible criminal conduct. (2) The Department encourages and supports coordination of responses among the Department, law enforcement and prosecutors in cases referred to the District Attorney or law enforcement to minimize the impact investigation activity on a child(ren) who is a victim of child abuse or neglect and to reduce the risk of loss or destruction of evidence. (a) The Department supports the use of Multi-Disciplinary Services Teams (MDSTs) in its response to allegations of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, human trafficking and serious physical abuse or death as a result of abuse or neglect. (b) The Department may enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with any law enforcement agency, or with the local District Attorney's Office for the purpose of developing working protocols to coordinate its response in conjunction with law enforcement investigation or in conjunction with cases referred to the District Attorney's Office.