Purpose:
To provide an alternative for Centre County Youth who have an arrestable offense and who are first-time offenders.
Frequently asked questions:
What is a Youth Aid Panel?
The Youth Aid Panel is a group of trained community volunteers who oversee the completion of alternative plans by youth who are referred by schools, police or the courts.
How Does a Youth Aid Panel Work?
Juvenile offenders who admit their involvement in an eligible first-time offense are offered the opportunity to go in front of the Youth Aid Panel. At a panel meeting, juvenile offenders and their families meet formally with trained community volunteer panelists. The panelists decide an appropriate resolution to hold the juvenile accountable for his/her criminal actions. The juvenile and his parents sign a contract for the juvenile to complete educational activities, community service, restitution, victim apologies and/or other requirements. If the juvenile successfully completes the resolution, he/she will not have a criminal record.
What are the benefits of the Youth Aid Panel?
The juvenile offenders who successfully complete their resolution are offered a "second chance," as they will not have an official court record.
- The juvenile is able to become more connected to the community.
- Personal responsibility is taught.
- The program saves taxpayers court-related costs, as the panel system is less costly to the public.
- The juvenile and his/her family are helped to understand that they live in a community that cares and that expects responsible resolutions for criminal behavior.
- Awareness of local community resources is increased.
