A Cry for Help: Maria

When Maria, 15, was threatening to harm family members, her mother, Ana, turned to the Juvenile Court in desperation. Maria was already court-involved through a Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) Stubborn Child petition. Her threatening behavior had become so extreme that her mother feared for the safety of her younger children. When Maria arrived in court for her CRA Hearing, her mother told Maria’s probation officer of the threats. When the Judge learned of these, she ordered the Juvenile Court Clinic to conduct an Emergency Mental Health Evaluation. A Juvenile Court Clinician promptly met with Maria and her mother.  

The Clinician immediately realized the severity of Maria’s anger and depression; she carefully explained the clinical options to Maria, her mother, and Maria’s attorney. Finally, she explained the options to the Judge along with recommendations for services. The Clinician recommended that Maria attend a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) to provide safety and stabilize her symptoms. Maria could still spend nights at home while attending this intensive treatment program. 

Resolving Obstacles to Care

But there were obstacles. Maria’s Mass Health coverage had lapsed, rendering her ineligible for the PHP. Ana spoke limited English and did not own a car. Arranging daily transportation to the hospital would be costly and scheduling appointments with Maria’s treatment team meant arranging for an interpreter. The Clinician resolved these hurdles. Together, they called Mass Health and the Department of Children and Families to reinstate Maria’s health insurance. The Clinician helped Ana secure an MBTA pass and provided directions on how to get to the hospital. She also called the hospital to schedule the intake interview and arranged for an interpreter to be present when they arrived. 

Safety for Maria and Her Siblings

Like many of the families served by the Juvenile Court, Ana and Maria faced multiple challenges when accessing services. With expert clinical evaluations and case management services from the Juvenile Court Clinic, the families have the information they need to access appropriate services. Later the Court Clinician followed up with Ana and Maria and learned that Maria was attending the PHP and was making meaningful strides in treatment. The family was relieved that Maria and her siblings were safe and Maria was receiving the help she needed. 

To protect confidentiality, MAJCC does not use real names or identifying features in case examples.

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1 Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) Stubborn Child is a status offense (a civil, non-delinquent matter) which brings a child before the Juvenile Court due to repeatedly failing 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.

2 Emergency Evaluations are conducted in the Juvenile Court according to Chapter 123, section 12 of the Mental Health Laws of the Commonwealth.

3 To work in the Juvenile Court Clinics, clinicians must become Certified Juvenile Court Clinicians through a DMH-directed specialized training with on-site supervised clinical work conducted at the Juvenile Court Clinics.