As your State Representative, I want to emphasize that ensuring justice is accessible, fair, and timely—especially for our children—remains one of my highest priorities. Every day, I am inspired by the strength and resilience of families in our community, many of whom face significant challenges, particularly when navigating our legal system.
Today, I want to address an urgent issue that impacts the future of our youth: the pressing need to expand the number of Juvenile Court justices in Massachusetts.
Our current Juvenile Court system, established in 1906, was designed for a Massachusetts with a population of just 3 million. Back then, the court primarily addressed cases of truancy, minor delinquency, and curfew violations—issues much simpler than those we encounter today.
Fast forward to 2024, and our state’s population has more than doubled to over 7 million people. Yet, our juvenile court system has only added one additional judge in the past two decades, leaving the same 42 justices to manage an increasingly complex and growing caseload.
Today’s juvenile courts handle far more than the straightforward issues of 1906. Our system is now tasked with managing cases involving mental health crises, substance abuse, cybercrime, human trafficking, and intricate family law matters like custody disputes and child protection cases. These situations go beyond law enforcement—they involve young people and families grappling with trauma and hardship. It’s crucial that our system responds swiftly and compassionately.
In Methuen and Lawrence, where we have some of the largest youth populations in the state, the strain on our system is even more pronounced. Methuen High School serves over 1,900 students, while Lawrence High School has more than 3,200 students. I have witnessed firsthand how delays in the court system can adversely affect our families.
Many families face extended waits before their cases are heard, leading to prolonged uncertainty, stress, and significant hardship. I’ve spoken with parents and advocates who express frustration over these delays as they watch their children’s lives stall.
Delays in justice aren’t merely inconveniences—they can have lasting negative impacts on families. In juvenile cases, time is critical. Whether a child is seeking rehabilitation, a family is awaiting a custody resolution, or a youth needs mental health intervention, every day of delay increases the emotional, financial, and social toll. Justice delayed is justice denied, and nowhere is that more evident than in our current juvenile court system.
That is why I plan to file an amendment in the upcoming legislative session to increase the number of Juvenile Court justices from 42 to 80. This expansion is not just a matter of numbers; it represents a crucial investment in the future of our children. Increasing our judicial resources will help ensure that families in Methuen, Lawrence, and across Massachusetts receive the timely justice they deserve.
Moreover, this expansion will address the disproportionate impact these court delays have on vulnerable and marginalized communities. Delayed justice exacerbates inequities, particularly for families with fewer resources to navigate the complexities of prolonged court proceedings. By increasing the number of justices, we can reduce these delays, promote fairness, and create a more equitable system for all.
But this initiative isn’t solely about solving an immediate problem; it’s about building a brighter future. By investing in our courts today, we are ensuring that our children and families receive the support they need when it matters most. I truly believe that when we provide justice swiftly and fairly, we give our children the best chance to grow, heal, and thrive. And when our youth thrive, our community thrives.
Furthermore, while there is an upfront cost associated with adding new justices, this investment will save money in the long run. Prolonged court cases lead to increased costs in detention, extended use of state-funded social services, and higher legal fees. By expanding the capacity of our Juvenile Courts, we can resolve cases more efficiently, reduce these long-term costs, and allow our youth to move forward with their lives sooner.
Our children deserve a judicial system that serves them well. With your support, we can create a system that meets the needs of our growing and evolving community. Together, we can ensure that the children of Methuen, Lawrence, and all of Massachusetts receive the justice they deserve, when they need it most.