Frequently Asked Questions About Youth Aid Panels

What is the Youth Aid Panel program?

The Youth Aid Panel (YAP) program offers an alternative for first-time juvenile minor offenders.  Successful completion of the program allows the youth to avoid a formal juvenile record and to make the youth accountable and responsible for his/her actions.

How are juveniles referred to the program?

Juveniles are referred to YAP at the discretion of participating police departments if they meet certain criteria:

• Age 10 through 17
• First-time offense
• Cited for a summary offense or a minor misdemeanor such as: shoplifting, curfew, fighting

Who/What is a Panel? 

• Panels are made up of volunteer community residents
• People who have working or business relationships to the participating community

How do I become a Panelist?

• Panelists are chosen for their interest in youth
• Non-political aspirations
• Ideally represent diversity in age, occupation, race, and gender
• Contact Helga Hurban, YAP Director 610-566-7710 x102

How do you find Panelists?

• Press releases
• Newsletters
• Church or business bulletins
• Through word of mouth

How many people are on a Panel?

• Ideally four to six people sit on a Panel
• Depending on the caseload a community may have more than one Panel.

How much time is spent on Panel duties?

• A Panelist may expect to spend 4 – 6 hours a month on Panel duties.

What happens at a Youth Aid Panel meeting?

• The offending youth (accompanied by his/her parents/guardian) is questioned about the youth’s admitted involvement in the offense.
• School, sports, hobbies, etc. are also discussed to obtain a fuller picture of the youth and his/her capability as far as a resolution is concerned
• Once the questioning and discussion is finished, the Panel decides on an appropriate resolution for the youth
• A “call-back” date and time is determined.

What is a Call-Back?

• The youth and parent/guardian return to the Panel.
• If the resolution has been completed to the satisfaction of the Panel, the citation is destroyed and the youth will have no record.

What happens if the juvenile does not complete the resolution?

• The citation is returned to the police for disposition.

What types of resolutions are given to the youth?

• Resolutions can consist of community service
• Educational workshops, essays, etc.
• If a youth has a special interest, that interest or talent can be tapped into.  The resolutions must always be age and capability appropriate.