Juvenile Justice Information

Resources and information about Massachusetts juvenile justice system and juvenile justice issues.

Department of Youth Services

The Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS) serves youth committed as juvenile delinquents or youthful offenders.  DYS promotes positive change in the youth in their care and custody.  The DYS website includes:

  • History of the juvenile justice system in Massachusetts
  • Reports and resources on juvenile justice issues
  • Information on the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
  • Contact information for the central office and the five regional offices

If you need immediate assistance, call the DYS Central Office

Additional Resources

Handbook for Parents, Legal Guardians, and Custodians in Child Requiring Assistance Cases

Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) cases can help parents, legal guardians, and custodians address certain issues with their child, including:

  • Frequently running away from home
  • Disobeying rules to the point where it makes it difficult to care for the child
  • Frequently disobeying rules at school
  • Does not attend school regularly (truancy)

The Massachusetts Trial Court Juvenile Court Administrative Office wrote this guide to help parents, legal guardians, and custodians understand CRA cases and the process for CRA hearings.

Additional Resources

Committee for Public Counsel Services Youth Advocacy Division

The Youth Advocacy Division (YAD) provides children and youth with legal representation for those who cannot afford an attorney.  In addition to helping the child with their case.  YAD also connects children to other kinds of services, including mental health assessments, education resources, and referrals to other community resources. 

To contact YAD, call 617-482-6212.

Additional Resources

Just for Youth: Advocating for Youths in the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services

This online book from Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee (MHLAC) provides information on how youth become involved with the juvenile justice system, definitions of common juvenile justice terms, and what happens after a child is arrested, among many other topics.  Chapters of the book are available for individual download.

Additional Resources

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