NCJ Number
86180
Journal
New Designs for Youth Development Volume: 3 Issue: 5 Dated: (September/October 1982) Pages: 9-15
Date Published
1982
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The Community Youth Panel concept involves training local community residents to review cases involving minor juvenile offenders and recommend alternative sentences (i.e., community service work) that keep these offenders out of the formal justice system.
Abstract
If the youth finishes the assigned tasks, which could be obtaining counseling, writing an essay on the effects of shoplifting or other topics, or participating in a tour of an adult prison, no formal arrest record is kept. To start a panel, considerable liaison work with local law enforcement, municipal and school officials, and religious and civic groups is required. Once police approval is achieved, local newspapers should be contacted and a press release issued. The Delaware County, Pa., program has a 6-week training program for interested citizens, involving instruction on the juvenile justice process and procedure as well as exercises in communication skills and group decisionmaking. The heart of the training is simulated role-plays occurring every week. Youth and parents voluntarily decide whether or not to appear before the panel, whose members will interview them and decide on appropriate tasks. The panel process is beneficial because it increases community awareness of juvenile problems and allows juveniles to take positive steps to repay society for their offenses. Flow charts are included.