Care and Protection is a matter filed in Juvenile Court alleging that a child under age 18 is at risk of neglect or abuse because the child:

• is without necessary and proper physical or educational care or discipline; 
• is growing up under conditions or circumstances damaging to the child’s sound character development; 
• is without the proper attention of a parent or guardian; or 
• does not have a parent or guardian who is willing, competent and available to provide necessary and proper care, discipline and attention.

Child Requiring Assistance* (CRA) matters are status offenses (non-delinquent matters) which bring a child between the ages of 6 and 18 before the Juvenile Court:

• CRA Truant: due to excessive school absences defined as failure to attend school (unexcused absences) for more than 8 school days in a school quarter;
• CRA Runaway: a child who repeatedly runs away from home;
• CRA Stubborn Child: a child who repeatedly fails to obey the lawful and reasonable commands of the parent or guardian, and whose behavior results in the parent or guardian not being able to adequately care for and protect the child;
• CRA Habitual School Offender: a child who repeatedly fails to obey and lawful and reasonable school regulations;
• CRA Sexually Exploited Child: a child who is sexually exploited.

*Changes to Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) were signed into law by Governor Healy in August 2026 and will go into effect in November 2027. These changes will include raising the minimum age for a CRA to 12 and defining truancy as “habitually absent without permission.” Changes will also require that parents and schools seek services at Family Resource Centers prior to filing a CRA petition with the Juvenile Court. 

Continued Without a Finding (CWOF) is a judge’s decision that the court has sufficient evidence for a guilty finding but chooses not to enter that finding into the record. Instead, the court continues the case for a period of time to be dismissed upon successful completion of probationary terms and conditions. A CWOF gives a defendant a chance to avoid having an official record of conviction.

Certified Juvenile Court Clinician is a Juvenile Court Clinician who has been specially trained to become certified through DMH-directed specialized training with on-site supervised clinical work at the Juvenile Court Clinics. CST cases must be conducted by doctoral-level forensic clinicians who are Certified Juvenile Court Clinicians II (CJCC II).

CJCC I are masters level clinicians who conduct CRA, Delinquency and C&P evaluations.

CJCC II are doctoral level clinicians who conduct Competency to Stand Trial and Criminal Responsibility evaluations.

Delinquent is a child between the ages of 12 and 18 who has been convicted of an offense which would be a crime if the child were an adult; also, a child convicted of violating town by laws.

Diversion is a process or program that makes it possible for a person who has been arrested for a minor offense or for a child who may be subject to a CRA petition to avoid the formal court process.

Emergency Mental Health Evaluation is ordered by a Juvenile Court Judge to evaluate a child’s level of danger to themselves or others and the kinds of services that might be helpful.

Family Resource Centers help families and individuals resolve challenges, strengthen their bonds, connect to others, and engage in their communities. They provide clinical and community support for children who are experiencing mental/behavioral health challenges by connecting them to a licensed mental health clinician and through programs and activities offered at the FRC. See Family Resource Centers

Massachusetts Department of Children and Families is the state agency that “strives to protect children from abuse and neglect, and, in partnership with families and communities provides supportive services to nurture their stability, growth, and development into adulthood. See Department of Children and Families  

Massachusetts Department of Mental Health is the state agency that “assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages; enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities.” See Department of Mental Health

Mass Health is the Massachusetts Medicaid program that provides health benefits for people who meet specific eligibility criteria. Usually, a person who has a disability and/or falls under a certain income level qualifies for Mass Health.

Section 35 Evaluation is a substance use evaluation ordered by a Juvenile Court Judge to assess whether the client is experiencing a serious and intractable substance use issue that has been difficult to treat in the community and places them at significant risk. Criteria for involuntary commitment under Section 35 of the MA General Laws Ch 123 are: 1) the Juvenile has an alcohol or substance use disorder AND 2) there is an imminent likelihood of serious harm to themselves or others as a result of their alcohol or substance use.