Parents: How YAP can help your child

The Youth Advocacy Project offers comprehensive multidisciplinary representation to low-income young people in the juvenile court. If your child is under 17 years old and is charged as a delinquent or a youthful offender, the Youth Advocacy Project can provide legal representation and advocacy. In addition to representation, psychological assessment, social service needs assessments, case management and referrals to community services are also available to clients. Click here to learn more about our services.

YAP provides parents and their children assistance in navigating through the often confusing juvenile justice system. Do you have questions about probation, the court system and the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services? Click here to review parents' Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) or review our Massachusetts Courts, Probation and DYS page.

Although YAP lawyers work for the child and not the parents, YAP is always available to offer advice and assistance to parents when they have questions about the law, juvenile rights and the Massachusetts criminal justice system. We offer individual consultation as well as a group-oriented workshop called Know the Law.

Also download our informational sheets below.

"Now That You're In Juvenile Court..." (.pdf) explains how the court process work for juveniles. This sheet includes the roles of the prosecutor, probation officer, lawyer and judge as well as the process of arraignment.

Available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Khmer, Somali, & Vietnamese.


"Now That You're On Probation..." (.pdf) explains the responsiblities of the probationer and includes tips for staying out of DYS after the term of probation has been completed. Please feel free to download these as well.

Available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Khmer, Somali, & Vietnamese.


If you have questions or need more information on our services feel free to contact us.