If reasonable cause is found for an abuse-related death, who must be notified immediately?

In the context of an abuse-related death in Massachusetts, there are specific protocols in place to ensure that appropriate authorities are notified to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. When reasonable cause is found indicating that a death is related to abuse, it is crucial for legal and investigative processes to be initiated swiftly. The district attorney's office is responsible for overseeing criminal prosecutions and ensuring that justice is served in potential abuse cases. This includes directing investigations, gathering evidence, and taking appropriate legal action.

Notifying the district attorney immediately allows for a comprehensive response that ensures that any evidence surrounding the case is preserved, witnesses can be interviewed timely, and the potential for criminal charges can be assessed based on the findings of the investigation. Additionally, their involvement may provide the necessary legal guidance to law enforcement in handling the case properly.

The other choices, while important in other contexts, do not hold the same immediate legal imperative when it comes to initiating a formal investigation and prosecution following an abuse-related death. For instance, local police involvement is part of the process, but the alerting of the district attorney is prioritized for legal proceedings. Family members can be notified later as part of the process, and the health department's role is not as directly related to criminal matters in these cases.