Massachusetts Referral for Mandatory Meeting is a process in which a mandated reporter (such as a school or health care professional) is required to refer a youth who may be at risk of harm or in need of services to the Department of Children and Families (DCF). This referral is done through the DCF-mandated hotline or by submitting a written report. Once a referral is made, DCF will conduct a mandated meeting, which is an in-depth assessment of the youth's situation, and may involve a face-to-face meeting with the youth and his or her family. During this meeting, the DCF staff will assess the youth's safety and well-being, and determine what services or interventions may be needed. There are two types of Massachusetts Referral for Mandatory Meeting: an Emergency Referral and a Non-Emergency Referral. An Emergency Referral is used when there is an immediate risk of harm to the youth or their family, and Non-Emergency Referrals can be made in less urgent cases.