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"I was able to see the hurt my stupid actions caused."
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Youth Aid Panel
What is a Youth Aid Panel (YAP)?
The Montgomery County, PA YAP is a restorative justice program of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office that provides a second chance for non-violent juvenile offenders in Montgomery County, PA. The program is also in place in other locations throughout Pennsylvania. Its aims are to encourage juveniles to be responsible for their actions, to restore them to the community and prevent future offenses and resultant harm to individuals and the community.
The YAP program of Montgomery County has been in existence since 2000. It is administered by MCMC, which also trains the volunteer community members who are the YAP panelists. There are YAP programs in about 22 different locations in Montgomery County, with some communities supporting several different panels. Over 700 juveniles annually have been given the opportunity for a second chance at becoming productive citizens, and the vast majority never again become involved in the juvenile justice system.
How Does a Youth Aid Panel Work?
As an alternative to Juvenile or District Court, juveniles who admit their involvement in an eligible summary or misdemeanor offense are offered the chance to participate in YAP. They and their families meet with the MCMC trained community volunteer panels who decide an appropriate resolution that will hold the juvenile accountable for his/her criminal actions. A contract is signed between YAP and the juvenile tailored to the specifics of the case. It might involve completing educational requirements, community service, restitution, apologies, meeting with the victim in the Victim Offender Conferencing program (VOC) and other outcomes. Upon successful completion, the juvenile will not have a criminal record.
- Volunteer panel members experience a sense of satisfaction in seeing juveniles who might be heading down the wrong track right themselves and become more connected to their community.
- YAP offers juveniles who successfully complete the program the opportunity to avoid a court record as well as learn personal responsibility.
- Victims have input into the resolution of the harm done by a juvenile.
- Taxpayers save the costs of court proceedings.
- Families of offenders and victims become more aware of community resources and needs.
YAP Community Service Providers
As part of his/her contract with YAP, a juvenile might participate in activities such as charitable events, help with local sports programs and recreational activities, or help with community celebrations. Community service providers are an important part of YAP and are encouraged to provide opportunity to juveniles. YAP will screen all juvenile applicants (who may be rejected by the provider), provide prompt support, and maintain close contact with the organization in this collaborative effort.
501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that are interested in becoming a Community Service Provider for YAP must agree to:
- Provide supervision during the juvenile’s period of service;
- Keep a record of time of service;
- Report any problems to YAP;
- Maintain confidentiality about the juvenile;
- Follow the guidelines of the Child Labor Law.
- Sign a Job Site Contract form
If your organization is interested in becoming a Community Service Provider for the YAP program, please contact MCMC at admin@montcomediation.com or 610-277-8909 for a Job Site Contract Form and additional information.
The Montgomery County YAP program depends on its volunteers serving as community panelists. There are over 200 volunteers active in YAP in Montgomery County communities. Volunteers MUST BE:
- A United States citizen;
- At least 18 years of age;
- A resident of Montgomery County for at least one year;
- Screened by the District Attorney’s office for criminal history and child abuse.
YAP volunteers MAY NOT:
- Be involved in law enforcement;
- Be a school official;
- Seek or presently hold an elected or appointed public office;
- Have a criminal record.
If you are interested in becoming a YAP volunteer and meet the above criteria, you must agree to the following commitments:
- Participate in a YAP training course of 15 hours;
- Attend monthly YAP meetings;
- Commit to a minimum of one year of service as a YAP volunteer.
Please use the Youth Aid Panel volunteer application or contact MCMC at admin@montcomediation.com, or call us at 610-277-8909.
FAQ's
- What is a Youth Aid Panel?
- How Does a Youth Aid Panel Work?
- Benefits of Youth Aid Panel
- YAP Community Service Providers
- How to Become a YAP Volunteer
See our Training Calendar for the next scheduled YAP volunteer trainings for 2012. Please join us!
Contact us for further information.