Volunteer case worker needed for Central Bucks Youth Aid Panel

The Central Bucks Regional/New Britain Township Youth Aid Panel (YAP) needs a volunteer for a case worker position. 

The Youth Aid Panel meets once a month and typically between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Case workers will work with juveniles who are sent through this diversionary program. 

Further details of the Youth Aid diversionary program can be found at Bucks County Youth Aid. 

Anyone interested in applying to be a member of this Youth Aid Panel will be subject to a background check. If interested, please contact Det. Shawn Maguire by email at [email protected]. 

Here are the requirements for the position:

• 18 years of age or older with no criminal history 
• Able to obtain Pennsylvania clearances for working with children (no disqualifying arrests, no child abuse history, etc.) 
• 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 during the evening on the second or third week of each month. 
• Able to attend the required training series for new members.

Additional Program Information

When a juvenile commits a criminal offense for the first time, the arresting police officer has two options: The juvenile offender can be formally charged and referred to court, or the juvenile can be referred to a local youth aid panel. 

Juveniles are eligible for acceptance into a youth aid panel, if the juvenile does not dispute their involvement in the offense and if they are a first-time offender. The arresting police department and the parents of the offender must also agree that youth aid is the best choice. 

The panels hear each case individually, and at least one parent must be present while the case is being heard. The panel’s job is to determine an appropriate course of action that will benefit the victim, community, and juvenile. 

The panel will assign obligations, just as the courts would and most commonly are community service, letters of apology, drug and alcohol services, and writing/research assignments.