Massachusetts’ Juvenile Justice System Response to Problem Sexual Behavior by Youth

In some instances, children who engage in PSB become involved with the juvenile justice system. The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) and the Massachusetts Youth Diversion Program (MYDP), operated by the Department of Youth Services, are collaborating to promote trauma-responsive and individualized responses to adolescents alleged of committing sex offenses. Join us on January 20th to learn more about our state’s current system and how the OCA and MYDP are working to increase diversion opportunities for youth who engage in PSB.

Presenters: Alix Rivière, PhD; Daniele Rose, MBA; and Melissa Threadgill, MPP
Presentation Date: Jan. 20, 2026

Learning objectives:

• Describe Massachusetts’ current juvenile justice response to youth PSB incidents.
• Explain what recent available data tells us about the involvement of youth with PSB in the juvenile justice system.
• Describe Massachusetts’ efforts to divert youth with PSB away from formal court involvement.