L.G.G. v. Department of Social Services

On April 6, 1998, the Department of Social Services (department) was notified by a mandated reporter pursuant to G. L. c. 119, § 51A, that L.G.G. (petitioner) had allegedly sexually abused his four year old daughter. The department commenced an emergency investigation and, on the same day, the petitioner agreed to leave the family home and to remain away from the home and his children during the course of the investigation. On April 7, the department determined that it would support the § 51A report, see 110 Code Mass. Regs. § 4.32(2) (1996), thus triggering an assessment process requiring it…