2016 Massachusetts General Laws
PART I ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT
TITLE XVII PUBLIC WELFARE
Chapter 119 PROTECTION AND CARE OF CHILDREN, AND PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THEM
Section 53 Liberal construction; nature of proceedings
Section 53. Sections fifty-two to sixty-three, inclusive, shall be liberally construed so that the care, custody and discipline of the children brought before the court shall approximate as nearly as possible that which they should receive from their parents, and that, as far as practicable, they shall be treated, not as criminals, but as children in need of aid, encouragement and guidance. Proceedings against children under said sections shall not be deemed criminal proceedings.
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