SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -- The state’s Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board has released its 2025 Annual Report, which it says highlights a “concerning shift” in how young people are entering and going through the juvenile justice system.

The board says the overall number of young people has stayed stable since 2025, but it has noticed a change in some trends. The report says, for a third year in a row, the number of arrests has surpassed summons as the main method of entry into juvenile court.

In 2025, 53% of applications for complaints were initiated by arrests, while 47% came from summons. The report highlights the board’s other findings, like the disparities in system involvement for black and Latinx youth, more pretrial involvement despite ultimate dismissals, and missed chances for earlier intervention.

You can click here for the full report on Mass.gov.

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