Section 7. The child advocate may request the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documents, papers, books, records, reports, reviews, recommendations, correspondence, data and other evidence that the child advocate reasonably believes is relevant. If a request is denied, the child advocate shall have the power to issue a subpoena for witnesses and the production of documents and any other data and evidence that the child advocate reasonably believes is relevant.
If any person to whom a subpoena is issued fails to appear or, having appeared, refuses to give testimony or fails to produce the evidence required, the child advocate may apply to the Suffolk county superior court to issue an order to compel the testimony and production of documents of any such witnesses. A failure to obey the order may be punished as contempt.
The district attorney may seek injunctive relief in Suffolk county superior court to defer a subpoena issued by the child advocate.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth
Chapter 18c - Office of the Child Advocate
Section 2 - Office of the Child Advocate; Duties
Section 3 - Child Advocate; Appointment; Vacancies; Removal
Section 4 - Child Advocate Advisory Board; Duties and Salary of Child Advocate
Section 6 - Access to Facilities and Records; Release of Information
Section 7 - Witnesses; Documents; Subpoenas
Section 8 - Discrimination or Retaliation; Penalties
Section 9 - Procedures for Performance of Duties; Rules and Regulations
Section 11 - Examination of Systemwide Responses to Child Abuse and Neglect