Congress has implemented the Juvenile Justice Reform Act (JJRA) of 2018. This was the first major update to federal laws regarding juvenile justice in more than 15 years. The JJRA added various provisions that relate to how girls are treated in the juvenile justice system. For example, pregnant girls are no longer to be placed in restraints. To maintain critical federal grant funding, states are to implement changes regarding juvenile record expungement, how student education records are transferred, and many others.
If your child is currently facing allegations of delinquency, it is critical to retain legal counsel that often practices in Pennsylvania's juvenile courts. A seasoned criminal defense attorney has the skills and experience necessary to obtain positive outcomes and protect the future of juveniles throughout our communities.
Juvenile Justice in Lancaster County
Juveniles in Pennsylvania who are arrested on allegations of delinquency are subject to a general process. The police department that makes the arrest is responsible for referring the matter to the Juvenile Probation Office. The staff will determine whether the juvenile should be released to their parents or remain in detention amid the process of intake.
If a youth is detained, there will be a detention hearing conducted within 72 hours. The probation staff is responsible for an intake assessment. The majority of juvenile offenders that are ultimately sentenced to a detention facility are habitual offenders or those potentially dangerous to the local community.
Lancaster County has a Youth Intervention Center that has three key functions as follows:
- Secure detention: The center can accommodate 48 youths for secure detention between the ages of 10 and 18. This provides a restricted short-term option for the safety of the juvenile and the community.
- Shelter care: The center can provide temporary shelter and emergency care for up to 36 juveniles between the ages of 10 and 18. This involves basic residential care for youth deemed as “at-risk” that are transitioning to placement
- Providing Uplifting Learning Skills to Excel (P.U.L.S.E.): The Weekend Program is capable of housing 12 male youths classified as “low to moderate” risk. It involves behavioral therapy, education, and motivational programming. There is also an Evening Treatment Center that serves male and female youths between the ages of 13 and 18.
Community Supervision (Probation)
In 2018, the Lancaster County Juvenile Probation Office handled roughly 400 cases. The average youth spends approximately six months on probation. Approximately 40% of juveniles are required to participate in community service work. In 2018, youths assisted the community for more than 4,300 hours.
Financial Penalties
Juveniles are often ordered to make financial restitution to their victims. In 2018, the total amount of restitution collected was $64,265. Roughly 50% of those on community supervision are required to pay into the Crime Victim's Compensation Fund. Juveniles also participate in victim awareness programming that emphasizes “insight and understanding into how their illegal actions harm others.”
Legal Representation for Juvenile Offenses in Pennsylvania
Has your child been charged with delinquency? Some people tend to make the mistake of trivializing juvenile offenses. Serious offenses can have harsh consequences that can create long-term problems. Those with a criminal record often have difficulty when background screening is conducted by potential employers, landlords, and agencies that issue professional licensing. You are encouraged to contact the attorney Joseph D. Lento of the Lento Law Firm today for experienced representation at (888) 535-3686.
