Clarifies the child advocate's authority to access juvenile records for examinations.

The bill amends the General Laws to clarify the child advocate's authority to access juvenile records. The child advocate can now examine records held by various entities, including the juvenile court, probate and family court, Massachusetts Probation Service, and the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. This access includes personally identifiable information if requested. The advocate can also obtain data on arrests and court proceedings. The advocate's examinations may include racial disproportionality, truancy, mandated reporting, and other child welfare issues.

Clarifies the child advocate's authority to access juvenile records for examinations.

The bill amends the General Laws to clarify the child advocate's authority to access juvenile records. The child advocate can now examine records held by various entities, including the juvenile court, probate and family court, Massachusetts Probation Service, and the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. This access includes personally identifiable information if requested. The advocate can also obtain data on arrests and court proceedings. The advocate's examinations may include racial disproportionality, truancy, mandated reporting, and other child welfare issues.