Definitions

As used in 110 CMR 10.00, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the following meanings: 10.02: continued Adolescent. An individual between 14 and 18 years of age. Aggrieved Party. Any individual who challenges a decision of the Department pursuant to 110 CMR 10.36 through 10.38. Alleged Perpetrator. An individual who the Department has identified, by substantial evidence, as responsible for the abuse or neglect of a child, referred the person's name to the District Attorney's office under M.G.L. c. 119, § 51B(k), and listed the person on the Department's Registry of Alleged Perpetrators. Appellant. Any individual who challenges a decision of the Department pursuant to 110 CMR 10.03 through 10.36. Authorized Representative. Any person, such as a lawyer, advocate, relative or friend, who is authorized in writing by any party to represent that party. Client. An applicant for or recipient of Department services. Foster parents, pre-adoptive parents or adoptive parents in their status as such shall be considered clients for purposes of 110 CMR 10.00. Clinical Review Team. A team of not less than five individuals, each of whom must have extensive social work experience, convened by a Regional Director for the purpose of reviewing a decision referred to the team pursuant to 110 CMR 10.08. Director of Areas. The term Director of Areas when used in 110 CMR 10.00 means the director of the Department’s Area Office and shall include the director of any provider. Fair Hearing Office. The centralized hearing office for Fair Hearings statewide, located at the Central Office of the Department and within the Office of the General Counsel. OCA. The Office of the Child Advocate pursuant to M.G.L. c. 18C. Provider. An organization with a contract with the Department to provide services for Department Clients. Young Adult. An individual between 18 and 22 years of age.