110 CMR 4.23
Screening Reports with a Potential Conflict of Interest
(1) If a 51A report concerns a Department employee, a member of a Department employee's
household; a Department employee's non-household immediate family member, or an Area
Board Member or other citizen advisory group member, the Department shall immediately refer
the report to the Central Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for screening and response.
4.23: continued
(2) If a 51A report concerns a staff member of the SIU or the Case Investigation Unit (CIU),
the Commissioner or designee shall determine which Area Office or contracted agency will
conduct the Screening and response.
(3) If a 51A report concerns foster parent(s) or pre-adoptive parent(s), the Area Office covering
the geographic area of the home shall begin the screening process by ensuring the immediate
safety of the child(ren). After recording the initial information from the reporter, the Area Office
shall transfer the 51A report to the SIU to complete the screening and response as necessary,
unless the director of the SIU determines it would be more expedient for the Area Office to
complete the response.