- This page, File an Application for a Child Requiring Assistance, is offered by
- Juvenile Court
- Massachusetts Court System
File an Application for a Child Requiring Assistance
Find out how and where to file an Application for a Child Requiring Assistance (CRA).
Contact for File an Application for a Child Requiring Assistance
Juvenile Court
Online
The Details of File an Application for a Child Requiring Assistance
What you need for File an Application for a Child Requiring Assistance
To start a CRA court case, you need to file an Application for a Child Requiring Assistance.
- If you're a parent, legal guardian, or custodian — File CRA Application Runaway-Stubborn (JV-086).
- If you're representing a school district — File CRA School District Application (JV-088).
How to file File an Application for a Child Requiring Assistance
File the CRA application in person at the correct Juvenile Court location.
- If you're a parent, legal guardian, or custodian — File in the Juvenile Court that has jurisdiction of the city or town where the child lives.
- If you're representing a school district — File in the Juvenile Court that has jurisdiction of the city or town where the school is located.
More info for File an Application for a Child Requiring Assistance
Once someone files a CRA application, a notice that the application has been filed and the date for the preliminary hearing will be sent to the child's parent or guardian, the child, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) (the state's child protection agency), and the Department of Youth Services (DYS). Please see Learn about the Child Requiring Assistance case process to find out more.