Young, nonviolent offenders in Abington and throughout Montgomery County have the option to avoid prosecution by participating in the Youth Aid Panel program, writes Vinny Vela for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

In addition to Abington, 32 other police departments offer this alternative for juveniles between ages 10 and 17 for minor cases like shoplifting, vandalism, and minor drug possession.

Since its creation 20 years ago, the Youth Aid Panel has seen over 10,000 teens. In 2019, nearly 500 teenagers participated and over 90 percent completed the program.

“Court is a negative, and I just feel that it’s better to invest in the youth in a positive way,” said Jan Harris, director of youth programs such as the Youth Aide Panel for Abington’s police department.

Developed by volunteers from the community, the programs are designed to teach teens empathy and help them understand why what they did was wrong through community service, writing letters, anger management classes and other activities that allow for self-reflection.

Due to an increasing number of city kids shoplifting around the King of Prussia area, Montgomery County’s DA Kevin Steele began collaborating with Philadelphia counterparts to make it possible for those kids to participate in the Montgomery County Youth Aid Panel program.

“We have to look at it like an investment in our community and our future,” said Angela Bell, assistant district attorney and new Youth Aide Panel coordinator. “When we keep kids out of the criminal justice system, we keep them in school.”

Read more about the Youth Aid Panel programs available to juvenile offenders here.

You Might Also Like

Local Youth Baseball Team Donates $9K to CHOP’s COVID-19 Fund

New York Times: Blue Bell Teen Activist Speaks on Challenges in Talking to Family About Racial Injustice

Spotted Lanternfly Trap Nabs Local Teen National Science Fair Award