Probation was born within the Massachusetts judicial branch and has so remained since its inception, except for an early brief period during which the executive branch (mayors) had appointment authority. Chapter 478 is the major vehicle for establishing probation firmly and formally within the Massachusetts Trial Court, as the Chief Administrative Justice is given the authority to appoint the Commissioner of Probation. The trial court has collective bargaining agreements in place with the probation service, and the Office of the Commissioner of Probation has a regional administration system whereby all courts in the State are monitored, using minimum qualification standards for investigations, supervision, revocation, enforcement of support, proceedings in care and protection, and children in need of services. The Criminal Offender Record Information file is maintained and operated by the Office of the Commissioner of Probation and is unique in its containing juvenile offender record information as well as adult misdemeanor and felony record information in a central manually operated file. The probation service is involved in noncriminal matters such as delinquency, the care and protection of children, children in need of services, illegitimacy, and enforcement of support. The Massachusetts experience shows that the probation service can function within the judicial branch. The latest figures show the annual cost per probation supervisee is about $400 as compared to $800 per parole supervisee.