Conflict of interest is a conflict between the private interests of a client and/or agency employee and the official responsibilities of a person in a position of trust. It is important for staff to avoid situations which present a conflict of interest or have the appearance of such a conflict. As PPS staff make decisions about children and families, situations should be avoided which present a conflict of interest. This protection is for both staff and the client.
DCF defines being a resource family for a child in the custody of the Secretary, while involved in a professional relationship with that child, as a conflict of interest.
DCF staff who carry out the work of the Department for Children and Families are prohibited from providing additional direct or indirect services to children in the Secretary's custody or to families of children in the Secretary's custody.
Professional involvement with, or case management responsibilities for a case involving a member of the family, or a person with whom the worker has close personal or business ties, presents a conflict of interest.
PPS staff shall notify his/her supervisor when given an assignment with a potential conflict of interest. The supervisor shall, in consultation and concurrence with the Regional PPS Program Administrator, determine whether it is appropriate to continue with the current assignment, or reassign the work to another PPS staff.