|
|
|
Youth Aid Panel  Back Row: Richard Legree, Jackie Carter, Matthew Cunningham Jr., Paul Boggs Jr. Reverend Carl Douglas Front Row: Chief Dominick Bellizzie, Jeannette Hurdle, Evelyn Brown, Angel Christen Police Liaison: Corporal Vargo About the Panel A Youth Aid Panel (YAP) empowers a community
to participate in problem solving in its neighborhood. The panel is not a court of law and does not determine guilt or innocence. Juvenile offenders must acknowledge their involvement in the offense and the youth and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) must agree to accept the Youth Aid Panel as an alternative to resolving the problem. At any time during the panel process the youth or his/her parent(s) may end the process and choose to have the case turned back to the police. Panel Members Panel members are volunteers who are chosen for their interest in youth, their non-political aspirations, and ideally represent diversity in age, occupation, race, and gender. Coatesville Youth Aid Panel meets on the third Wednesday of every month, but may choose to meet more often depending on the caseload. Police officers, elected officials, and their immediate families are ineligible to become panelists but are welcome to volunteer to help the panel in other ways. Panel members receive training in: Chester County juvenile justice system The Offenders Youth offenders are seen by the panel and are generally charged with first-time summary or misdemeanor offenses. The youth or the youth's parent(s)/guardian(s) may opt for the Panel as opposed to Juvenile or District Court, but only if the panel is offered at the discretion of the juvenile officer or other designated police officers. Goals To prevent the youth from becoming more
deeply involved in delinquent behaviors, the juvenile justice system and possible
costly detentions.
To attempt to understand the "cause" of the offense and to help his/her family resolve the problem. To provide a means of an amicable resolution for the victim. To provide a means to increase the accountability and responsibility of youths for their actions. To hold the juvenile responsible to both the victim and community through completion of panel imposed obligations. Benefits The Youth Aid Panel offers The Coatesville
Police Department another alternative for dealing with first-time/minor juvenile
offenses.
The panel system is less costly to the public, saving taxpayers court related
expenses. How can I become a panelist? All prospective panelists are required to fill out an application and undergo a police background check. All applicants will be notified by mail once the arrangements for training have been made in the community. At the bottom of this page you can print the application and send it to Donna Walton at the Coatesville Police Department. If you would like more information on the Coatesville Youth Aid Panel you may contact Donna by mail, phone, or email. You may also apply online with the link below. Training and Meetings Training is provided by The Center for Crisis Resolutions. Meeting dates are third Wednesday of every month from 6:30pm to approximately 9:00pm at Coatesville City Hall. Donna Walton |
|
|
Youth Aid Panels are
not a part of the juvenile justice system, but consist of trained volunteer
community members. Panelists for the Coatesville Youth Aid Panel are screened
by the Coatesville Police Department, and trained by the staff of Center for
Resolutions and Juvenile Court.