The most recent substantial change to the juvenile delinquency code took place in 1996 with the enactment of the "Youthful Offender" statute. Such legislation created a new category for juveniles when they commit a crime. It provides that all juveniles aged 14 and older charged with murder are automatically treated as adults. It further established the new category of "youthful offender" allowing those juveniles aged 14 or older accused of serious offenses, to be charged as youthful offenders at the prosecutor's discretion and subjected to a juvenile, adult, or combination sentence.
The current system defines the offender and type of sentence juveniles may receive.
•is between 7 and 17 years old who has committed a felony, a misdemeanor, or violated a city ordinance or town by-law.
◾An indeterminate" sentence is a commitment of a juvenile delinquent to DYS custody until age 18. Judges have no discretion to impose a different sentence length if they are imposing a commitment here. DYS custody until 18 is the only option.
•A Youthful Offender - is a youth between 14 and 17 years of age who has committed a felony offense AND has at least one of the following:
◾Previous DYS commitment
◾Committed a certain firearms offense
◾Committed an offense which involves the infliction or threat of serious bodily harm
A youthful offender can receive a commitment to DYS until age 21, a combination DYS commitment and adult sentence or an adult sentence.
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/laws-regs/dys/juvenile-justice-legal-issues.html