abuse

Reversed - The Hearing Officer found that there was insufficient evidence to affirm the supported 51B decision for physical abuse; the decision was reversed. The alleged physical abuse was the result of physical discipline in which the appellant hit his son on his buttocks with a belt, over his…

Reversed - The Department reversed a 51B decision for neglect where there was evidence that the child was conspiring with the other parent to further a custody battle issue. The Department did not have reasonable cause to believe that the Appellant Father had neglected the child and found that the…

Affirmed - Hearing Officer affirmed the Department’s support of physical abuse allegations when the child’s account was clear and consistent, and there was physical evidence of significant force that could be reasonably inferred to have occurred under appellant’s care.

Affirmed - The Hearing Officer affirmed the Department’s 51B decision supporting findings of physical abuse. The department affirmed findings of physical abuse even when the perpetrator is unknown where (1) a child who was less than a month old has a broken bone from an unknown event; (2) physicians…

Reversed - A supported 51B decision for abuse can be reversed when it is shown that, although a caretaker uses physical discipline on a young child, (1) the actions do not pose a substantial risk of injury to the child; (2) there is no impact on the child’s growth and well-being; (3) there is no…