Members of the Department's social work staff may attend all CHINS court proceedings if informally requested to do so by a Court, or if formally subpoenaed. Members of the Department's legal staff shall attend pre-adjudication CHINS court proceedings, in those cases where a request is made by an Area or Regional Director.
Commentary
Traditionally, Department attorneys have not appeared at any pre-adjudication CHINS court proceedings because technically the Department is not a party to such actions. However, recognizing that some pre-adjudication CHINS matters present difficult or complex legal problems for the social work staff, the Department will make members of the legal staff available on an as-needed basis.
110 CMR, § 4.67