York County Juvenile Probation Services is seeking volunteers for its Youth Aid Panel, a diversionary program that holds youths accountable while avoiding the stigma of permanent criminal records. Under the program, select children facing summary and misdemeanor charges avoid entering the formal criminal justice system by being diverted to court-sanctioned panels made up of community members.
There are Youth Aid Panels in every school district in York County. No special training or background is required. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, have no criminal record and successfully pass state child abuse and FBI clearances, if applicable.
The panels meet once a month with the juveniles and their family in the evening. There will be an informational session held for prospective volunteers at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12. New panel members must attend a one-day training that will tentatively occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5.
Readers may call 717-771-9567 and speak to Lori Petraco at ext. 2679 or Michelle Breen at ext. 2643 for more information.
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