Section 89A. The superior court or the justice of a district court may appoint deputy probation officers who shall serve without compensation as counsellors to children under the age of 18 who have been placed in the care of probation officers under section eighty-seven in order that such children may receive to a greater degree individual attention and guidance. Deputy probation officers shall perform their services under the direction of probation officers. Deputy probation officers may be reimbursed by the commonwealth upon voucher approved by the court to which they are assigned for necessary expenses incurred by them in the course of their duties.

The court administrator, in consultation with the commissioner of probation, may apply for and accept federal grants or assistance for the purpose of defraying the costs of additional clerical assistance, equipment, books, materials and other expenses incident to the services which such deputy probation officers perform.