Bill > H1486

This bill clarifies the child advocate's authority to access juvenile records. Key provisions include: 1. The child advocate may obtain data on adult and juvenile arrests, court proceedings such as arraignments, adjudications, and dispositions, as necessary for the performance of the office's duties. 2. The child advocate or their designee shall have unrestricted access to all court records, including those held by the clerk of the juvenile court, clerk of the probate and family court, Massachusetts Probation Service, and records on adults and juveniles contained in the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services' electronic systems. 3. The child advocate may examine systemwide service provision to children in the Commonwealth, including responses to child abuse and neglect, related mental health and substance use issues, juvenile contact with the criminal justice system, and the availability of data and effectiveness of services. The advocate may report on these examinations and file additional reports with the governor and various legislative committees. 4. The bill amends existing laws to clarify the child advocate's broad access to records, overriding any limitations on the use or release of information.