The Massachusetts Child Abuse Emergency Line operated by Judge Baker Children’s Center functions as the after-hours service for the MA Department of Children and Families (DCF). DCF is the state agency charged with the responsibility of protecting children from child abuse and neglect. A 50+ member staff is trained to assess the urgency of each call, elicit critical information, and provide a sympathetic ear. In situations where children are at imminent risk, an emergency response is initiated, with DCF field staff launching the investigations. Services are provided by phone only. The Emergency Line is NOT able to provide services on its website or by email.
Services
Service hours
Weekdays: Monday –Thursday 5:00 pm – 9:00 am (of the next morning)
Weekends: Friday 5:00 pm – Monday 9:00 am
Holidays: Friday 5:00 pm – Tuesday 9:00 am for Monday holidays; 5:00 pm of the day preceding a weekday holiday – 9:00 am of the weekday after the holiday