An Act relative to obtaining relief for a child or youth from abuse and harassment

This bill allows minors aged 13 and older in Massachusetts to directly petition courts for protection orders against abuse and harassment without needing a parent or guardian to file on their behalf. Under the new rules, these youth can appear in court alone to request orders under Chapter 209A or Chapter 258E, which cover domestic violence and stalking cases. If a minor aged 13 or older appears without an attorney, the court must appoint one and provide information about victim support services, though emergency hearings can still proceed immediately. Additionally, even when an adult files a request on behalf of a minor in this age group, the judge must consider the minor's own expressed wishes when deciding on relief.