By Mr. Alicea of Charlton, petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 121) of John W. Scibak and others to promote youth advocacy.  Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

——————

PETITION OF:

John W. Scibak

Thomas M. McGee

Stephen P. LeDuc

——————

In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.

——————

An Act to promote youth advocacy.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

Chapter 119 of the Massachusetts General Laws as appearing in the 2004 Official Edition is hereby amended in section 1, paragraph 5, line 1 by adding after the word, “department” the following: “and court”

And in section 25, paragraph 5, line 2 by adding after the word “petition” the following:

“and a  child twelve years of age and over”

And in section 26, line 3 by adding after the word “child” the following:

“eleven years of age and under”

And in line 5 of said section 26 by inserting after the word “evidence” the following:

“unless waived by the court”

And in section 29B, paragraph 1, line 9 by inserting after the word “arrangement” the following:

“All proceedings shall include any child over twelve years of age and older unless waived by the court.”