Bill > S740

This bill, titled "Relative to special juveniles," proposes to amend chapter 119 of the General Laws by adding a new section, 39DD, to allow individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 to petition the probate and family court. The bill defines "dependent on the court" as being under the court's jurisdiction for specific findings and referrals, but not as a finding of legal incompetence. The court would hear petitions from young adults who, due to childhood abuse, neglect, or abandonment, would not benefit from returning to their or their parents' previous country of nationality or last habitual residence. To grant such a petition, the court must make findings that the petitioner is dependent on the court, suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment as a child, that reunification with parents is not viable due to these issues, and that it is not in the petitioner's best interest to return to their previous country. The petitioner's health and safety are paramount considerations, and the court may issue orders to protect against further abuse and refer the petitioner for various services, though participation is not mandatory. The court must issue these findings before the petitioner turns 21, and the bill clarifies that this does not prevent other courts from making similar findings in related child proceedings.