110 CMR 13.01 - Introduction

(1) The Department shall have a Case Investigation Unit (C.I.U.) within the Central Office of the Department. The C.I.U. shall conduct internal reviews of all Department and contracted casework provider agency cases involving the death of any child who was:

(a) a member of a family with an open case; or

(b) a member of a family being investigated as a result of a M.G.L. c. 1 19, § 51A report received prior to the child's death; or

(c) a member of a family who had an open case within the six months preceding the child's death; or

(d) a member of a family who had a supported 51A report, but a case was not open for services, within the six months proceeding the child's death.

The C.I.U. shall also conduct case investigations on any case which does not fall within the criteria in 110 CMR 13.01(1)(a) through (d), if requested to do so by the Commissioner.

(2) The purpose of each C.I.U. investigation shall be to determine:

(a) the circumstances surrounding the child's death;

(b) if the child's death has any implications for the Department's policy, regulations, training and/or contracted service resources; and

(c) if case management activities and other services provided to the deceased child and his or her family were adequate, appropriate, and complied with Department policy and regulations.

Notes

110 CMR 13.01