These rules of juvenile court procedure will go into effect in stages, beginning in the fall of 2005. They will override all local court rules that govern juvenile justice practice and procedure. The rules simplify practice and procedure, provide uniformity, and reflect current practices of the majority of the judicial districts. In some cases, the new rules simply codify what is already being practiced in most if not all juvenile courts throughout Pennsylvania. In other cases, the rules clarify points that had been unclear. In a few areas, however, substantive changes have been made. The biggest change pertains to the role of juvenile court master, who are attorneys appointed to serve as surrogates for judges. Technically, in counties that use masters, the right to a hearing before a real judge is still available. Masters have been introduced in a formal way to ease heavy court dockets caused by an increase in the number of delinquency cases. A master's findings and recommendations become final only when confirmed in writing by a judge. The rules also make some significant and potentially costly changes regarding attorney involvement in juvenile proceedings. One rule places new restrictions on juvenile waivers of the assistance of counsel; and the second rule expands the scope and duration of that assistance. The overall policy effect of the new rules is the reorientation of the juvenile justice system to reflect the goals and values of balanced and restorative justice, particularly regarding the responsibility of juvenile offenders to mitigate the harms caused to their victims. 4 notes