Where is the line drawn between corporal punishment by a parent, or a caretaker, as opposed to physical abuse by DCF in Massachusetts? The line that is drawn between corporal punishment and physical abuse by DCF in Massachusetts, is a fine line. It's a line that I don't ever tell parents to engage in. Corporal punishment could be characterized as spanking a child, which can and is allowed in Massachusetts. However, sometimes well intentioned, well meaning corporal punishment will leave red marks or bruises, which DCF can construe as being physical abuse. And sometimes parents go a little bit beyond the line and cause such marks, or bruises, or red marks. This is why I always tell parents, don't engage in corporal punishment. Then you're not guessing about what is proper? What's improper? The best type of advice I can give parents about corporal punishment is, don't do it. Why have to defend something later against DCF? If you don't do it, you don't have to worry about it. I wouldn't spank your kids. Take away the privileges depending upon their age, which is age appropriate. You got young children, have them do a time-out depending on their age. If it's an older child, God forbid, take away their electronics. Expect World War III, especially if you take their cell phone. But that's the proper technique for disciplining a child. Take away privileges. Don't let them watch Netflix or TV. Don't let them go out with their friends. Have them do extra homework or chores around the house. There's a billion things you can do with your kids to get them to be disciplined. I strongly suggest, do not use corporal punishment. The best thing is to make an err on the side of caution. Do not use corporal punishment. Use time-outs, take away privileges. Avoid DCF. | Law Office of Kevin Seaver