The mission of this Office is to provide delinquent youths with programs of supervision, care, and rehabilitation utilizing a balanced approach of protection of the community, accountability for offenses committed, and development of competencies in order to become responsible and productive members of the community. The utilization of the Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy (JJSES) ensures proper assessment and case plan tools are in place and polices are reviewed annually. All misdemeanor and felony charges filed against minors, age 10 to 17, are processed by the Juvenile Probation Department.
This Department of the Court of Common Pleas provides the following services to the public and the youths of Carbon County:
Juvenile Probation Officers visit youth who are under supervision at their homes and at all Carbon County Schools including the Carbon Career & Technical Institute and alternative education schools. Meeting with youth on a consistent basis and ensuring they are complying with supervision requirements assists with reducing recidivism. Information is obtained from school officials to ensure youth are achieving their academic goals. Visits consist of discussing goals and achievements. Probation Officers are members of the schools Student Assistance Programs.
Juvenile Probation Officers visit youth who are Court Ordered into placement programs outside their home. These visits consist of reviewing treatment goals and ensure compliance with program rules. Prior to discharge aftercare services are organized by the placement program and Juvenile Probation Officer.
This program enhances the Balanced Approach of Restorative Justice by assisting area non-profit organizations, such as fire companies, animal shelters, churches, local schools, townships, boroughs, and civic organizations with numerous projects that benefit the community. Juveniles can also participate in the restitution program completing community service hours. Juveniles work for minimum wage with that money being paid directly to the juvenile crime victim.
The intake procedure expedites the intake process on all cases received by having one officer review all case material, conduct an intake interview with the juvenile and his/her guardian, recommend a disposition for each case, and then assigns the case to the appropriate Juvenile Probation Officer for final disposition.
A Victims/Witness brochure provides information on how to participate in all phases of the Juvenile Court process. A Victim Claim Form allows each victim an opportunity to submit a restitution claim against the juvenile and provides an avenue to express his or her expectations regarding disposition of the case. A grant was received from the Federal government in which the Victim's Resource Center provides additional services to victims of juvenile crime.
In an effort to expose students to the Judicial System, the Juvenile Probation Office extends to all area schools an opportunity to witness actual court proceedings. This program allows students to observe criminal court proceedings, to ask questions of both Court personnel and the Judges, and to witness real life by enlightening them on the consequences of their behavior. Hopefully, this experience will help serve as a deterrent to high-risk behaviors such as crime and drug and alcohol abuse.
The YLS is a risk/needs assessment and a case management tool. The assessment is completed on all cases, with a few exceptions. It assists in determining the risk of re-offending, the strengths and needs of youth, as well as appropriate services that may be required. A review YLS is completed every six months or sooner, if necessary, as well as a closing YLS. The goal is for the YLS scores to decrease, showing a lower risk/need. It is not utilized solely to determine disposition, but is a tool that is used when determining disposition. YLS scores range from low, moderate, high and very high.
Case Plans are created on youth who score above the low range on the Youth Level Service (YLS). After considering the static risk factors and the top criminogenic needs that are identified in the YLS, these plans are a collaboration with the youth and parent/guardian. Using the top one to three criminogenic needs from the youth level service are utilized to assist in reducing recidivism. Support from all parties, including community based and placement providers are imperative in assisting the youth with achieving the activities set forth in the plan.
When appropriate, electronic monitoring is utilized in lieu of a youth being placed outside the home. An electronic ankle bracelet is attached and is monitored 24/7. All movement within the community must be pre-approved by the Juvenile Probation Office. There is an application process to determine if a youth is eligible for the program. There are fees associated with the monitor.
Youth who are under supervision with the Juvenile Probation Officer are able to earn tangible and non-tangible incentives. These awards are given when youth complete a goal, which is agreed upon by all parties.
Effective for the 2025-26 school year, the Carbon County Juvenile Probation Department and an outside agency are implementing a Pre-Adjudicatory, School-based, Mental Health Diversion for Low-level, Diversion Eligible, Middle/Junior High Schools Youth (Grades 7-12), who are charged with summary offenses within Carbon County schools, with the exception of truancy. The Panel members and youth will set goals and if a youth completes the requirements within an eight-week period, the summary citation will not be filed. These interventions are to assist youth, family, their education and mental health needs. If youth do not complete the requirements, the citation is filed at the local Magisterial District Court.