Status Offense: An activity that would not be considered a violation of the law if committed by an adult, but that may cause a minor to be brought before the Juvenile Court, such as being a runaway, being truant from school, etc.
Child Requiring Assistance (CRA): A proceeding involving a child between the ages of six and eighteen who is habitually truant from school, repeatedly fails to obey school rules, repeatedly runs away from home and/or repeatedly fails to obey his or her parent or legal guardian. Previously called a “Child In Need of Services” or "CHINS."
Source: Massachusetts Court System, "Glossary of Court Terms"
The Juvenile Court has exclusive jurisdiction over CRA cases.
