Juvenile Justice system.

Youth court programs in New Bedford and Fall River are getting a boost from Beacon Hill. Local lawmakers have secured $100,000 for youth courts in both cities. Youth courts are juvenile diversion programs that offer first time youthful offenders the chance to go before a jury of their peers, rather than appear in the traditional juvenile justice system...

Gov. Deval Patrick has unveiled what he's calling a landmark initiative aimed at reducing recidivism among high-risk young men.       Patrick said Wednesday that the proposal will cut crime, save taxpayers money, and improve outcomes for hundreds of young men leaving the juvenile justice system or who are on probation...