Bill > H1802

This bill aims to improve juvenile justice data collection in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: 1. Requiring the Child Advocate to annually report statistical data on the juvenile justice system, including information on decisions made at various justice system decision points, such as arrests, court proceedings, and dispositions. The data must be disaggregated by demographic factors like age, gender, race, and sexual orientation. 2. Mandating that all relevant criminal justice agencies, such as law enforcement, courts, and the Department of Youth Services, collect and provide the necessary data to the Child Advocate upon request, either annually or quarterly. The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, District Attorneys Association, Court Administrator, and Department of Youth Services are responsible for assembling and submitting the requested data. 3. Allowing the Child Advocate to request and receive individual-level data from these agencies to facilitate analysis, while ensuring the data is used only for statistical purposes and does not reveal individual identities. 4. Providing guidance on the format and categories of data to be collected and reported, as well as establishing schedules for data submission and publication. The overall goal of the bill is to ensure the Commonwealth has comprehensive and accurate data on juvenile interactions with the law enforcement and justice systems, which can inform policy and practice improvements.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H1802