By Bob Katzen

Rep. Francisco Paulino (D-Methuen) filed legislation to address the shortage of justices in the Massachusetts Juvenile Court Department by increasing the number from 42 to 80.

“No child should have to wait months or years for justice,” said Paulino. “This bill will help us reduce the backlog, provide timely interventions for at-risk youth and save the commonwealth millions by reducing long-term foster care and detention costs.”

Paulino noted that Massachusetts juvenile courts now handle a broader range of complex cases than when the current cap was enacted decades ago, including child protection, mental health, truancy and emergency custody. He said that thousands of cases are impacted annually by judicial delays, with serious consequences for vulnerable children and families.