Massachusetts Appeals Court Hears Arguments in DCF Termination Case over Infant’s Multiple Fratures

The Massachusetts Appeals Court heard oral argument Tuesday in Department of Children and Families v. Mother, docket 24P0984, over a trial court’s finding that a mother was unfit and the subsequent termination of her parental rights after medical staff discovered nine fractures in her infant.

"My name is Mariana Yang, and I represent the appellant mother in this case who asks that the judgments be vacated, and that, the case be remanded for further hearing," attorney Mariana Yang told the three‑judge panel. Yang argued that the fractures were discovered when the child was about 3 months old and that there was no evidence proving the mother inflicted the injuries or that she knew of them.

Yang said medical records show the child was examined multiple times — she stated four physical examinations in the first three months — and that the records contained affirmative findings that there were no indications of abuse during those visits. She argued the Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) action plan…