NCJ Number
162302
Journal
Juvenile Justice Update Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (April/May 1996) Pages: 3,4,14,15
Editor(s)
H Sontheimer,
A Volenik
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article reviews recently enacted changes in Pennsylvania's Juvenile Justice Act.
Abstract
One purpose of Pennsylvania's previous Juvenile Act was rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. Legislation of 1995 revised the code to include a balanced approach to juvenile justice which recognizes three goals: protection of the community, imposition of accountability for offenses committed, and competency development for juvenile offenders. It also incorporates principles of restorative justice. The balanced approach is intended to be responsive to the needs of victims, offenders, and the community by identifying goals such as making restoration to victims, making the community safer, or helping offenders become productive members of society. Highlights of the revised act include: (1) dissemination of fingerprints and photos for investigation purposes; (2) expansion of offenses excluded from juvenile court jurisdiction; (3) expanded public access to juvenile hearings; (4) juvenile probation to provide schools information on adjudicated delinquents; (5) court may order parents to participate in child's treatment/supervision/rehabilitation; and (6) retention of juvenile court jurisdiction to obtain fines, costs or restitution. Table