(The following information was provided by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.)
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Upper Dublin Township Police Chief Fran Wheatley, the current president of the Montgomery County Police Chiefs Association, announced openings on Youth Aid Panels across the county and are seeking adult volunteers to assist with the District Attorney’s diversionary program for juveniles, ages 10 to 18.
For more than 20 years, the Youth Aid Panel (YAP) Program has been giving juveniles a second chance following their involvement in a non-violent crime. Instead of having charges filed that go through Juvenile Court, the juvenile is instead referred to their local Youth Aid Panel, where they will take responsibility for their actions and learn from their mistakes through assignments, training, and community service. Specific requirements ordered by the Youth Aid Panel varies by the child’s needs and the offense committed. YAP Program eligible offenses include most summary offenses, such as shoplifting, vandalism and minor drug possession. Violent crimes, firearm crimes and sexual offenses are not eligible for diversion to YAP.
“Nearly 11,000 juveniles have gone through the YAP program and have taken responsibility for their actions. By successfully completing the YAP program, juveniles avoid having a criminal record that could impact their future employment, military service, or college admission,” said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. “We recently expanded this successful, long-term diversionary program in order to help more teenagers. Adults of all ages are eligible to volunteer and will be trained before beginning their service on a Youth Aid Panel. The only requirement is a desire to help juveniles make a positive change in their lives.”
Approximately 30 Youth Aid Panels involving more than 160 volunteers are operating across Montgomery County, and all panels need additional volunteers. There is a more pressing need for volunteers in four areas of the county: Cheltenham, North Penn, Pottstown, and Upper Merion. The time commitment to serve on a Youth Aid Panel is approximately four to six hours a month. Criminal history and child abuse checks will be completed on all applicants at no cost to the applicant.
A video about the program and volunteering is available at here. More information on the program and how to volunteer, as well as a volunteer application, can be found here.
