Reducing youth recidivism with community volunteer panels

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Abstract

In Philadelphia, trained community volunteers — instead of judges — hear the cases of many first-time juvenile offenders. The Youth Aid Panels propose three-month "youth aid contracts," which enable youth to address the causes of their delinquent behavior and become connected to positive influences and activities. From the report, Less Hype, More Help: Reducing Juvenile Crime, What Works — and What Doesn't by Richard Mendel.

Issue

Often the legalistic, rapid-fire, impersonal hearings typical in juvenile court do not help youth address the causes of their delinquent behavior or offer proactive solutions to prevent them from committing another crime.

Action

Youth Aid Panel hearings are deliberate and highly personalized and help youth address the issues that cause their delinquent behavior.

Youth Aid Panels are comprised of 10 trained community volunteers. They met two evenings each month and hear the cases of two juvenile offenders each night.

The panels hear the cases of first-time juvenile offenders who have admitted to the offense ahead of time.

At the hearing, panelists interview the offender, his or her parent(s), and any victims -- first reviewing the offense itself and then assessing other positive and negative influence in the offender's life at home, in school, and on the streets.

The juvenile offender is required to answer a long series of questions. At the end of the hearing, the panel proposes a three-month contract that might include restitution, community service, counseling, conflict resolution classes or other requirements.

Each offender is also assigned to one of the panelists, who then monitors the contract and continues checking in on the offender during the three-month period.

Context

Youth Aid Panels hear the cases of 800 first-time juvenile offenders every year -- 10 percent of all cases referred to juvenile court. The panels were initially established by the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office in 1987. The panels now operate in all 24 of Philadelphia's police districts.

Citation

Mendel, Richard. Less Hype, More Help: Reducing Juvenile Crime, What Works — And What Doesn't. American Youth Policy Forum: Washington, D.C. 2000. pp. 20-21.

Outcome

The Youth Aid Panels require youth to meet with victims and take responsibility for the damages they've caused. Often youth are required to perform work or provide restitution that enables them to earn forgiveness, develop skills and earn the satisfaction of performing a valued service in the community.

Evidence

Eighty percent of youth offenders who participate in Youth Aid Panels complete their contracts successfully. The recidivism rate of participating youth is only 22 percent.

Posted On

February 6, 2001

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Keywords:

Community-Based Organizations

Youth

Volunteer

Project TADS

Communication skills

Public safety