NCJ Number
206315
Date Published
January 2008
Length
191 pages
Annotation
This publication is intended to serve as a guide to Pennsylvania's juvenile justice judges on the main requirements of, and statutes governing, the Juvenile Act.
Abstract
Chapter 1 discusses the qualities that a juvenile judge should possess: passion, commitment, and skills. Juvenile judges play three roles: they preside over cases, they are responsible for the operations of the juvenile probation department, and they must ensure that all individuals coming into contact with the juvenile justice system are treated with respect. Chapter 2 discusses the principles and goals driving Pennsylvania's juvenile justice system, which is based on a balanced and restorative justice model that values community protection and competency development. Chapter 3 presents an overview of Pennsylvania's juvenile justice system, including a review of the origins and development of the juvenile courts, the basic juvenile justice structure and funding, and a statistical overview of case processing. Chapter 4 describes intake and diversion processes and focuses on five key statutes that establish the definition of a child and a delinquent act; define the powers and duties of probation officers; describe the commencement of procedures; describe informal adjustment; and establish victim notice and comment rights. Chapter 5 discusses juvenile detention in Pennsylvania, including its alternatives. The primary statutes in this chapter define the detention of a child, as well as establish the place, the commencement, and the release from detention. Chapter 6 discusses the factors to be considered when determining whether to try juveniles as adults; two key statutes establish procedures for transfer from and transfer to criminal proceedings. Chapter 7 describes the requirements for "informal but orderly" adjudication hearings as required under the Juvenile Act, as well as the preliminary matters that should be addressed prior to the hearings. Key statutes establish parental participation, timing of hearings, and right to counsel. Chapter 8 focuses on the conduct of hearings to determine if a juvenile is in need of treatment, supervision, or rehabilitation. The form the disposition should take is addressed, as are disposition options in general. Chapter 9 outlines disposition follow-up and review procedures, such as probation revocation, routine placement reviews, modifications and transfers, and case terminations. Chapter 10 discusses issues related to the administration of juvenile courts, including the role of the Administrative Judge and safeguarding juvenile records. Index, index of statutes, appendix