The Bensalem Township Police Department is searching for volunteers to staff its Youth Aid Panel, which serves as an alternative to juvenile court for first-time, non-violent juvenile offenders.
The panel meets one time per month on the second Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday to hear cases. Volunteers act as a team of informal judges who decide how a juvenile offender can repair the harm caused by their delinquent act.
This program has been active in Bensalem for many years. Many volunteers have served on the panel for over 10 years. Volunteer openings on the panel are rare. Once you attend four training classes, only one meeting per month and occasional phone contact with the juveniles is required.
Those interested should visit bucksyouthaid.org, where they can print and complete the application. Return it to Tracey Buechner at Bensalem PD by email (tbuechner@bensalempa.gov), by mail or in-person.
Requirements include the following:
– 18 or older with no criminal history
– Able to obtain Pennsylvania clearances for working with children (no disqualifying arrests, no child abuse history)
– Must be of good moral character as verified by a police records check, driving record, etc.
– Able to work with a group to reach a consensus on appropriate obligations for offenders
– Able to communicate professionally with offenders and their families
– Available on the second Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening each month
– Able to attend the training series for new members (location to be determined)
