20.01.2018 Views

Landmark Cases in US Juvenile Justice (Pennsylvania)

Landmark Cases in US Juvenile Justice (Pennsylvania)

Landmark Cases in US Juvenile Justice (Pennsylvania)

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

The e-Advocate<br />

Quarterly Magaz<strong>in</strong>e<br />

<strong>Landmark</strong> <strong>Cases</strong><br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>US</strong> <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong><br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

“Help<strong>in</strong>g Individuals, Organizations & Communities<br />

Achieve Their Full Potential<br />

Vol. I, Issue III – Q-3 July | August | September 2015


The Adolescent Law Group<br />

<strong>Landmark</strong> <strong>Cases</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>US</strong> <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong><br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

“Help<strong>in</strong>g Individuals, Organizations & Communities<br />

Achieve Their Full Potential<br />

1735 Market Street, Suite 3750 | 100 Edgewood Avenue, Suite 1690<br />

Philadelphia, PA 19102 Atlanta, GA 30303<br />

John C Johnson III, Esq.<br />

Executive Director<br />

______<br />

(855) ADVOC8.0<br />

(855) 238-6280 § (215) 486-2120<br />

www.TheAdvocacyFoundation.org


<strong>Landmark</strong> <strong>Cases</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>US</strong> <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong><br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

“Help<strong>in</strong>g Individuals, Organizations & Communities<br />

Achieve Their Full Potential


Chronology of <strong>US</strong> Supreme Court Decisions<br />

Constitutional Rights of Children<br />

In re Gault, 387 U.S. 1, 87 S.Ct. 1428 (1967)<br />

Table of Contents<br />

In re W<strong>in</strong>ship, 397 U.S. 358, 90 S.Ct. 1068 (1970)<br />

McKeiver v. <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>, 403 U.S. 528, 91 S.Ct. 1976 (1977)<br />

Breed v. Jones, 421 U.S. 519, 95 S.Ct. 1779 (1975)<br />

Oklahoma Publish<strong>in</strong>g Company v. District Court <strong>in</strong> and for<br />

Oklahoma City, 480 U.S.308, 97 S.Ct.1045 (1977)<br />

Smith v. Daily Mail Publish<strong>in</strong>g Company, 443 U.S. 97, 99 S.Ct.2667 (1979)<br />

Shall v. Mart<strong>in</strong>, 467 U.S. 253, 104 S.Ct. 2043 (1984)<br />

First Amendment Issues<br />

Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988)<br />

Bethel School District No. 403 v. Frazier, 478 U.S. 675 (1986)<br />

Board of Education v. Pico, 457 U.S. 853 (1982)<br />

T<strong>in</strong>ker v. des Mo<strong>in</strong>es Ind. Comm. School Dist., 393 U.S. 503 (1969)<br />

G<strong>in</strong>sberg v. New York, 390 U.S. 629 (1968)<br />

Wiscons<strong>in</strong> v. Yoder, 406 U.S. 205 (1972)<br />

The <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Court System<br />

Overview of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>‟s <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System<br />

The <strong>Juvenile</strong> Act (42 Pa. C.S.A. § 6301 et seq.)<br />

State <strong>Landmark</strong> <strong>Cases</strong> (New Millenium)<br />

- Adjudication of Del<strong>in</strong>quency v. Consent Decree<br />

- Transfer to/from Adult Court<br />

- SORNA v. Megan‟s Law<br />

- Restitution<br />

- Case Dismissal<br />

- Mandatory M<strong>in</strong>imum Life Sentences<br />

- Involuntary Mental Health Commitments<br />

- Deprivation Proceed<strong>in</strong>gs: Open/ Closed<br />

Copyright © 2014 The Advocacy Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


<strong>Landmark</strong> <strong>Cases</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>US</strong> <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong><br />

<strong>US</strong> Supreme Court Decisions *<br />

Chronology<br />

Issues aris<strong>in</strong>g from juvenile del<strong>in</strong>quency proceed<strong>in</strong>gs rarely come before the U.S. Supreme<br />

Court. Beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the late 1960's, however, the Court decided a series of landmark cases that<br />

dramatically changed the character and procedures of the juvenile justice system.<br />

* <strong>Cases</strong> Not Shepardized


Constitutional Rights of Children<br />

In re Gault<br />

387 U.S. 1, 87 S.Ct. 1428 (1967)<br />

In 1967 a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision gave juveniles accused of crimes the same due<br />

process rights as adults. The case <strong>in</strong>volved Jerry Gault, who, at 14, was given a seven-year<br />

sentence for a prank phone call.<br />

Case Summary<br />

Gerald Gault, age 15, was on probation <strong>in</strong> Arizona for a m<strong>in</strong>or property offense when, <strong>in</strong> 1964,<br />

he and a friend made a crank telephone call to an adult neighbor, ask<strong>in</strong>g her, "Are your cherries<br />

ripe today?" and "Do you have big bombers?" Identified by the neighbor, the youth were arrested<br />

and deta<strong>in</strong>ed.<br />

The victim did not appear at the adjudication hear<strong>in</strong>g, and the court never resolved the issue of<br />

whether Gault made the "obscene" remarks. Gault was committed to a tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g school for the<br />

period of his m<strong>in</strong>ority. The maximum sentence for an adult would have been a $50 f<strong>in</strong>e or 2<br />

months <strong>in</strong> jail.<br />

An attorney, obta<strong>in</strong>ed for Gault after the trial, filed a writ of habeas corpus that was eventually<br />

heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. The issue presented <strong>in</strong> the case was that Gault's constitutional<br />

rights (to notice of charges, counsel, question<strong>in</strong>g of witnesses, protection aga<strong>in</strong>st self<strong>in</strong>crim<strong>in</strong>ation,<br />

a transcript of the proceed<strong>in</strong>gs, and appellate review) were denied.<br />

The Court ruled that <strong>in</strong> hear<strong>in</strong>gs that could result <strong>in</strong> commitment to an <strong>in</strong>stitution, juveniles have<br />

the right to notice and counsel, to question witnesses, and to protection aga<strong>in</strong>st self<strong>in</strong>crim<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />

The Court did not rule on a juvenile's right to appellate review or transcripts, but<br />

encouraged the States to provide those rights.<br />

The Court based its rul<strong>in</strong>g on the fact that Gault was be<strong>in</strong>g punished rather than helped by the<br />

juvenile court. The Court explicitly rejected the doctr<strong>in</strong>e of parens patriae as the found<strong>in</strong>g<br />

pr<strong>in</strong>ciple of juvenile justice, describ<strong>in</strong>g the concept as murky and of dubious historical relevance.<br />

The Court concluded that the handl<strong>in</strong>g of Gault's case violated the due process clause of the 14th<br />

amendment:<br />

"<strong>Juvenile</strong> court history has aga<strong>in</strong> demonstrated that unbridled discretion, however<br />

benevolently motivated, is frequently a poor substitute for pr<strong>in</strong>ciple and procedure."


In re W<strong>in</strong>ship<br />

397 U.S. 358, 90 S.Ct. 1068 (1970)<br />

Samuel W<strong>in</strong>ship, age 12, was charged with steal<strong>in</strong>g $112 from a woman's purse <strong>in</strong> a store. A<br />

store employee claimed to have seen W<strong>in</strong>ship runn<strong>in</strong>g from the scene just before the woman<br />

noticed the money was miss<strong>in</strong>g; others <strong>in</strong> the store stated that the employee was not <strong>in</strong> a position<br />

to see the money be<strong>in</strong>g taken.<br />

W<strong>in</strong>ship was adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent and committed to a tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g school. New York juvenile<br />

courts operated under the civil court standard of a "preponderance of evidence" (civil trial<br />

standard). The court agreed with W<strong>in</strong>ship's attorney that there was "reasonable doubt" of<br />

W<strong>in</strong>ship's guilt, but based its rul<strong>in</strong>g on the "preponderance" of evidence.<br />

Upon appeal to the Supreme Court, the central issue <strong>in</strong> the case was whether "proof beyond a<br />

reasonable doubt" should be considered among the "essentials of due process and fair<br />

treatment" required dur<strong>in</strong>g the adjudicatory stage (trial) of the juvenile court process. The<br />

Court rejected lower court arguments that juvenile courts were not required to operate on the<br />

same standards as adult courts because juvenile courts were designed to "save" rather than to<br />

"punish" children.<br />

The Court ruled that the "reasonable doubt" standard should be required <strong>in</strong> all<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quency adjudications.<br />

McKeiver v. <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

403 U.S. 528, 91 S.Ct. 1976 (1971)<br />

Joseph McKeiver, age 16, was charged with robbery, larceny, and receiv<strong>in</strong>g stolen goods. He<br />

and 20 to 30 other youth allegedly chased 3 youth and took 25 cents from them. McKeiver met<br />

with his attorney for only a few m<strong>in</strong>utes before his adjudicatory hear<strong>in</strong>g. At the hear<strong>in</strong>g, his<br />

attorney's request for a jury trial was denied by the court. He was subsequently adjudicated and<br />

placed on probation.<br />

The State Supreme Court cited recent decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court that had attempted to<br />

<strong>in</strong>clude more due process <strong>in</strong> juvenile court proceed<strong>in</strong>gs without erod<strong>in</strong>g the essential benefits of<br />

the juvenile court. The State Supreme Court affirmed the lower court, argu<strong>in</strong>g that of all due<br />

process rights, trial by jury is most likely to "destroy the traditional character of juvenile<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>gs."<br />

The U.S. Supreme Court found that the due process clause of the 14th amendment did not<br />

require jury trials <strong>in</strong> juvenile court.<br />

The impact of the Court's Gault and W<strong>in</strong>ship decisions was to enhance the accuracy of the<br />

juvenile court process <strong>in</strong> the fact-f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g stage. In McKeiver, the Court argued that juries are not<br />

known to be more accurate than judges <strong>in</strong> the adjudication stage and could be disruptive to the<br />

<strong>in</strong>formal atmosphere of the juvenile court, tend<strong>in</strong>g to make it more adversarial.


Breed v. Jones<br />

421 U.S. 519, 95 S.Ct. 1779 (1975)<br />

In 1970, Gary Jones, age 17, was charged with armed robbery. Jones appeared <strong>in</strong> Los Angeles<br />

juvenile court and was adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent on the orig<strong>in</strong>al charge and two other robberies.<br />

At the Dispositional Hear<strong>in</strong>g, the judge waived jurisdiction over the case to crim<strong>in</strong>al court.<br />

Counsel for Jones filed a Writ of Habeas Corpus, argu<strong>in</strong>g that the waiver to crim<strong>in</strong>al court<br />

violated the double jeopardy clause of the Fifth Amendment. The court denied this petition,<br />

say<strong>in</strong>g that Jones had not been tried twice because juvenile adjudication is not a "trial" and does<br />

not place a youth <strong>in</strong> jeopardy.<br />

Upon appeal, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that an adjudication <strong>in</strong> juvenile court, <strong>in</strong><br />

which a juvenile is found to have violated a crim<strong>in</strong>al statute, is equivalent to a trial <strong>in</strong><br />

crim<strong>in</strong>al court.<br />

Thus, Jones had been placed <strong>in</strong> double jeopardy. The Court also specified that jeopardy applies<br />

at the adjudication hear<strong>in</strong>g when evidence is first presented.<br />

Waiver cannot occur after jeopardy attaches.<br />

Oklahoma Publish<strong>in</strong>g Company v. District Court <strong>in</strong> and for Oklahoma City<br />

480 U.S. 308, 97 S.Ct. 1045 (1977)<br />

The Oklahoma Publish<strong>in</strong>g Company case <strong>in</strong>volved a court order prohibit<strong>in</strong>g the press from<br />

report<strong>in</strong>g the name and photograph of a youth <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> a juvenile court proceed<strong>in</strong>g. The<br />

material <strong>in</strong> question was obta<strong>in</strong>ed legally from a source outside the court. The U.S. Supreme<br />

Court found the court order to be an unconstitutional <strong>in</strong>fr<strong>in</strong>gement on freedom of the press.<br />

Smith v. Daily Mail Publish<strong>in</strong>g Company<br />

443 U.S. 97, 99 S.Ct. 2667 (1979)<br />

The Daily Mail case held that State law cannot stop the press from publish<strong>in</strong>g a juvenile's name<br />

that it obta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong>dependently of the court.<br />

Although the decision did not hold that the press should have access to juvenile court files, it<br />

held that if <strong>in</strong>formation regard<strong>in</strong>g a juvenile case is lawfully obta<strong>in</strong>ed by the media, the first<br />

amendment <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> a free press takes precedence over the <strong>in</strong>terests <strong>in</strong> preserv<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

anonymity of juvenile defendants.


Schall v. Mart<strong>in</strong><br />

467 U.S. 253, 104 S.Ct. 2403 (1984)<br />

Gregory Mart<strong>in</strong>, age 14, was arrested <strong>in</strong> 1977 and charged with robbery, assault, and possession<br />

of a weapon. He and two other youth allegedly hit a boy on the head with a loaded gun and stole<br />

his jacket and sneakers.<br />

Mart<strong>in</strong> was held pend<strong>in</strong>g adjudication because the court found there was a "serious risk" that he<br />

would commit another crime if released. Mart<strong>in</strong>'s attorney filed a habeas corpus action<br />

challeng<strong>in</strong>g the fundamental fairness of preventive detention. The lower appellate courts<br />

reversed the juvenile court's detention order, argu<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> part that pretrial detention is essentially<br />

punishment because many juveniles deta<strong>in</strong>ed before trial are released before, or immediately<br />

after, adjudication.<br />

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Preventive Detention Statute.<br />

The Court stated that Preventive Detention serves a Legitimate State Objective <strong>in</strong> protect<strong>in</strong>g<br />

both the juvenile and society from pretrial crime and is not <strong>in</strong>tended to punish the juvenile.<br />

The Court found there were enough procedures <strong>in</strong> place to protect juveniles from wrongful<br />

deprivation of liberty. The protections were provided by notice, a statement of the facts and<br />

reasons for detention, and a probable cause hear<strong>in</strong>g with<strong>in</strong> a short time.<br />

The Court also reasserted the parens patriae <strong>in</strong>terests of the State <strong>in</strong> promot<strong>in</strong>g the welfare of<br />

children.<br />

Kent v. United States<br />

383 U.S. 541 (1966)<br />

Petitioner was arrested at the age of 16 <strong>in</strong> connection with charges of housebreak<strong>in</strong>g, robbery and<br />

rape. As a juvenile, he was subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the District of Columbia<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> Court unless that court, after "full <strong>in</strong>vestigation," should waive jurisdiction over him<br />

and remit him for trial to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.<br />

The <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court entered an order waiv<strong>in</strong>g jurisdiction, with the recitation that this was done<br />

after the required "full <strong>in</strong>vestigation." He was convicted on six counts of housebreak<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

robbery, but acquitted on two rape counts by reason of <strong>in</strong>sanity. On appeal, petitioner raised,<br />

among other th<strong>in</strong>gs, the validity of the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court's waiver of jurisdiction.<br />

Held: The <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court order waiv<strong>in</strong>g jurisdiction and remitt<strong>in</strong>g petitioner for trial <strong>in</strong> the<br />

District Court was <strong>in</strong>valid. pp. 552-564.<br />

The parens patriae philosophy of the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court "is not an <strong>in</strong>vitation to procedural<br />

arbitrar<strong>in</strong>ess." pp. 554-556.


As the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has held, "the waiver of jurisdiction<br />

is a „critically important' [p. 542] action determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g vitally important statutory rights of the<br />

juvenile." pp. 556-557.


First Amendment Issues<br />

Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier<br />

484 U.S. 260 (1988)<br />

Student members of a school newspaper alleged that their First Amendment rights were violated<br />

when the pr<strong>in</strong>cipal decided to omit two pages of the school newspaper <strong>in</strong> order to protect the<br />

identity of a student who was discussed <strong>in</strong> the article. The district court found <strong>in</strong> favor of the<br />

school district and the Eighth Circuit reversed.<br />

The U.S. Supreme Court found that public school students do not automatically have the same<br />

First Amendment rights of adults outside the school and that the school paper was not a forum<br />

for public expression like traditional public forums. The Court also found that the school had an<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> protect<strong>in</strong>g the identity of the students <strong>in</strong> an article about pregnancy as well as <strong>in</strong><br />

ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>tegrity of student speech allowed <strong>in</strong> the school newspaper.<br />

F<strong>in</strong>ally, the Court held that the pr<strong>in</strong>cipal‟s actions were reasonable under the circumstances.<br />

Thus, the Court reversed the Eighth Circuit and held that the pr<strong>in</strong>cipal‟s actions did not violate<br />

the First Amendment.<br />

Bethel School District No. 403 v. Frazier<br />

478 U.S. 675 (1986)<br />

The issue was whether a school district‟s suspension of a high school student for giv<strong>in</strong>g a lewd<br />

speech violated the First Amendment. At a school-sponsored function, a student delivered a<br />

speech nom<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g a fellow student for student elective office. Throughout the speech, the<br />

student referred to his candidate <strong>in</strong> terms of an elaborate, graphic, and explicit sexual metaphor,<br />

despite that the student was warned by his teachers not to use the language and that use of the<br />

language could have severe consequences. Pursuant to the district‟s discipl<strong>in</strong>ary rules, the<br />

student was suspended from school for two days.<br />

The student alleged that his First Amendment right to freedom of speech was violated and sued<br />

the school district, seek<strong>in</strong>g both <strong>in</strong>junctive relief and monetary damages. Both the trial court and<br />

the N<strong>in</strong>th Circuit found that the student‟s First Amendments rights were violated.<br />

The U.S. Supreme Court reversed, hold<strong>in</strong>g that the First Amendment did not prevent the school<br />

district from suspend<strong>in</strong>g the student because the school district acted with<strong>in</strong> its authority <strong>in</strong><br />

punish<strong>in</strong>g the student for his offensive speech.<br />

The Court found that the penalties imposed were unrelated to any political viewpo<strong>in</strong>t and that<br />

allow<strong>in</strong>g that k<strong>in</strong>d of language <strong>in</strong> a school sponsored event would underm<strong>in</strong>e the school‟s basic<br />

educational mission. Thus, the student‟s First Amendment rights were not violated by the school<br />

district.


Board of Education v. Pico<br />

457 U.S. 853 (1982)<br />

The issue was whether the First Amendment prohibits a local school board from exercis<strong>in</strong>g its<br />

discretion to remove library books from school libraries, that the board characterized as “anti-<br />

American, anti-Christian, anti-Semitic, and just pla<strong>in</strong> filthy.” 457 U.S. at 857. The students of<br />

those schools sued, claim<strong>in</strong>g the removal of books violated their First Amendment rights.<br />

In a plurality op<strong>in</strong>ion, three justice of the U.S. Supreme Court stated that students had a First<br />

Amendment right to receive ideas and <strong>in</strong>formation as a necessary predicate to their mean<strong>in</strong>gful<br />

exercise of the rights of speech, press, and political freedom. Another justice concurr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the<br />

judgment wrote that the state had no authority to deny access to ideas for political reasons, while<br />

a fifth justice concurr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the judgment did not want to reach the First Amendment question on<br />

an <strong>in</strong>complete record.<br />

______<br />

T<strong>in</strong>ker v. des Mo<strong>in</strong>es Ind. Comm. School Dist.<br />

393 U.S. 503 (1969)<br />

School officials suspended students from public high school because they wore black armbands<br />

to school <strong>in</strong> protest of the Vietnam War. The students sued the school under 42 U.S.C. § 1983,<br />

seek<strong>in</strong>g nom<strong>in</strong>al damages and an <strong>in</strong>junction that forbid the school from suspend<strong>in</strong>g the students.<br />

The trial court dismissed the compla<strong>in</strong>t, uphold<strong>in</strong>g the constitutionality of the school district‟s<br />

action on the ground that it was reasonable to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> school discipl<strong>in</strong>e.<br />

The Eighth Circuit considered the case en banc and, because the court was equally divided, the<br />

lower court‟s decision was affirmed without op<strong>in</strong>ion.<br />

The U.S. Supreme Court held that the wear<strong>in</strong>g of armbands <strong>in</strong> this case was not tied to any<br />

disorderly conduct by the participants and thus that it was “closely ak<strong>in</strong> to „pure speech,‟”<br />

393 U.S. at 505, which is protected by the First Amendment.<br />

The record reflected that the students simply wore the arm bands to school <strong>in</strong> protest, but still<br />

attended classes without any <strong>in</strong>terference with work and or discipl<strong>in</strong>e. The Court held that<br />

students do not “shed their constitutional rights” at the schoolhouse door. 393 U.S. at 506. Thus,<br />

the Court found that the school could not deny the students‟ form of expression and held that the<br />

students‟ First Amendment rights were violated and reversed and remanded the case to the<br />

circuit court.


G<strong>in</strong>sberg v. New York<br />

390 U.S. 629 (1968)<br />

The issue <strong>in</strong> this case was whether a New York crim<strong>in</strong>al obscenity statute that prohibited the sale<br />

of magaz<strong>in</strong>es with sexual content to m<strong>in</strong>ors was constitutional on its face. A store owner was<br />

found guilty of sell<strong>in</strong>g two adult magaz<strong>in</strong>es to a 16 year old boy <strong>in</strong> violation of the crim<strong>in</strong>al<br />

statute prohibit<strong>in</strong>g the sale of such magaz<strong>in</strong>es to m<strong>in</strong>ors. The state supreme court affirmed the<br />

conviction and the store owner was denied leave to appeal to the state court of appeals. The store<br />

owner alleged that the constitutional freedom of expression secured to a citizen to read or see<br />

sexually explicit material could not depend upon the age of a citizen.<br />

The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the judgment of the lower court, f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g that the statute did<br />

not “<strong>in</strong>vade[s] the area of freedom of expression constitutionally secured to m<strong>in</strong>ors.” 390 U.S. at<br />

637.<br />

The Court found that the crim<strong>in</strong>al statute <strong>in</strong> question was rationally related to the <strong>in</strong>terest of<br />

protect<strong>in</strong>g children because both parents and the state have an <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> the well be<strong>in</strong>g of<br />

children.<br />

The Court also held that it was rational for the legislature to f<strong>in</strong>d that the m<strong>in</strong>ors‟ exposure to<br />

sexually explicitly magaz<strong>in</strong>es might be harmful to children, even if the same material is suitable<br />

for adults. Thus, the Court found that the statute was constitutional and affirmed the lower court.<br />

Wiscons<strong>in</strong> v. Yoder<br />

406 U.S. 205 (1972)<br />

The issue <strong>in</strong> this case was whether a state statute requir<strong>in</strong>g that children up the age of 16,<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g those who practiced Amish and Mennonite religions, attend public or private school<br />

violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments.<br />

Amish and Messonite parents who did not send their children to high school were found guilty of<br />

violat<strong>in</strong>g the compulsory public school attendance law. The parents practiced the Amish and<br />

Mennonite religions and argued that send<strong>in</strong>g their children to public school after the eighth grade<br />

violated their religious beliefs and threatened their religious way of life. They educated their<br />

children at home to learn farm<strong>in</strong>g and homemak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a rural community and generally prepared<br />

them to become function<strong>in</strong>g adults <strong>in</strong> their communities. The state supreme court reversed the<br />

convictions.<br />

The U.S. Supreme Court found that the parents‟ Fundamental Religious Beliefs that their<br />

children should rema<strong>in</strong> “aloof from the world,” 406 U.S. at 210, and “accept the heavy<br />

obligations imposed by adult baptism,” 406 U.S. at 211, was endangered by the enforcement of<br />

the public education laws.<br />

The Court held that accommodat<strong>in</strong>g the parents‟ religious objections by forgo<strong>in</strong>g one or<br />

two additional years of formal high school would not harm the children <strong>in</strong> any way.


The Court determ<strong>in</strong>ed that the parents were not just try<strong>in</strong>g to protect their way of life, but their<br />

religious belief, which was undoubtedly s<strong>in</strong>cere. Thus, the Court held that the First and<br />

Fourteenth Amendments prohibited the State from compell<strong>in</strong>g the parents to send their children<br />

to formal high school to age 16.


The <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

Court System


Overview of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>‟s<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System


Overview of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System<br />

Overview of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System<br />

3<br />

Summary of Contents<br />

This chapter will provide a k<strong>in</strong>d of diagram of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s juvenile justice system, with a<br />

brief account of its beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gs and the way it has changed over the years; a look at how the<br />

system’s different elements are organized, adm<strong>in</strong>istered, and funded; and a statistical overview<br />

of del<strong>in</strong>quency case process<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the state, based on recent arrest, disposition, and<br />

residential placement data.<br />

n<br />

n<br />

n<br />

§ 3-1. The Orig<strong>in</strong>s and Development of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> <strong>Juvenile</strong> Courts<br />

§ 3-2. Basic <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Structure and Fund<strong>in</strong>g<br />

§ 3-3. Statistical Overview of Case Process<strong>in</strong>g<br />

19


§ 3-1<br />

Overview of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System<br />

§ 3-1 The Orig<strong>in</strong>s and Development of<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong> <strong>Juvenile</strong> Courts<br />

Prior to the establishment of juvenile courts <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> and elsewhere, the common law<br />

recognized no such category as “juvenile del<strong>in</strong>quents,” but divided all law-breakers <strong>in</strong>to<br />

“<strong>in</strong>fants” and adults. Children under 7 were conclusively presumed <strong>in</strong>capable of form<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

<strong>in</strong>tent to commit a crime– “felonious discretion” at such an age be<strong>in</strong>g considered “an<br />

impossibility <strong>in</strong> nature.” 1 This “<strong>in</strong>fancy defense” was also available to children between 7<br />

and 14, but <strong>in</strong> their case it was rebuttable. Prosecutors could and did present evidence to<br />

show that <strong>in</strong>dividual children <strong>in</strong> this age group were capable of crim<strong>in</strong>al <strong>in</strong>tent. And children<br />

over 14 could not use the <strong>in</strong>fancy defense at all; they were always prosecuted and punished<br />

just like adult crim<strong>in</strong>als. 2<br />

Widespread dissatisfaction with this approach dur<strong>in</strong>g the 19th century sparked a number of<br />

local reforms <strong>in</strong>tended to deal with young crim<strong>in</strong>als more effectively and humanely, and <strong>in</strong><br />

particular to isolate them from adults. Philadelphia saw the creation of one of the nation's<br />

first “Houses of Refuge” for children <strong>in</strong> 1826, and separate correctional <strong>in</strong>stitutions for<br />

children convicted of crimes, vagrancy, and<br />

“<strong>in</strong>corrigibility” became common <strong>in</strong> subsequent<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s juvenile<br />

courts are over a century old.<br />

years. 3 By 1893, <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> law already<br />

required separate trials and trial dockets for<br />

children, and prohibited their conf<strong>in</strong>ement with<br />

alleged or convicted adult crim<strong>in</strong>als. 4<br />

In 1899, Ill<strong>in</strong>ois established what is now generally<br />

regarded as the world's first juvenile court, <strong>in</strong> Cook County. The court used broad powers<br />

and <strong>in</strong>formal procedures to deal with law-break<strong>in</strong>g children <strong>in</strong> an entirely new way-so that, as<br />

the new court's enabl<strong>in</strong>g legislation put it, “as far as practical they shall be treated not as<br />

crim<strong>in</strong>als but as children <strong>in</strong> need of aid, encouragement, and guidance.” 5 Most states<br />

followed suit soon afterwards. <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> passed its first <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Act, modeled on<br />

the Ill<strong>in</strong>ois law, <strong>in</strong> 1901. While the 1901 law did not survive an <strong>in</strong>itial constitutional challenge,<br />

an amended <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Act of 1903 was immediately enacted and upheld by the<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Supreme Court.<br />

Orig<strong>in</strong>ally, the juvenile court's jurisdiction <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> extended only to m<strong>in</strong>or crimes. The<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Law of 1933, besides giv<strong>in</strong>g the court new authority to deal with<br />

“ungovernable” behavior and truancy, expanded the court's jurisdiction to cover all crimes<br />

except murder committed by children under 16. A 1939 amendment gave the court<br />

jurisdiction over children up to age 18.<br />

While the juvenile court movement caught on quickly, it was not without critics. Despite the<br />

professed benevolence of the courts' <strong>in</strong>tentions, their failure to afford basic due process<br />

safeguards to juveniles was regarded by many as unfair and <strong>in</strong>consistent with our traditions.<br />

Eventually, the U.S. Supreme Court came to agree, conclud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a series of decisions,<br />

beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g with Kent v. United States <strong>in</strong> 1966, In re Gault <strong>in</strong> 1967, and In re W<strong>in</strong>ship <strong>in</strong> 1970,<br />

that juveniles accused of del<strong>in</strong>quent acts were entitled to many of the basic rights enjoyed by<br />

adults accused of crimes.<br />

20


Overview of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System<br />

§ 3-2<br />

In <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>, the legislature responded with the passage of the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Act of 1972.<br />

Based on the Uniform <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Act, a model law developed by the National<br />

Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, the 1972 Act codified the rights of<br />

accused juveniles to receive written notice of charges aga<strong>in</strong>st them, to be assisted by counsel,<br />

to confront accusers, and to be convicted only upon proof beyond a reasonable doubt.<br />

Significant amendments to the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Act of 1972 were enacted <strong>in</strong> 1977, 1980, 1981, 1986<br />

and 1989:<br />

n<br />

n<br />

n<br />

n<br />

The 1977 change established 10 as the m<strong>in</strong>imum age at which a child could be<br />

considered del<strong>in</strong>quent, and deleted “ungovernable behavior” from the def<strong>in</strong>ition of<br />

“del<strong>in</strong>quent acts”–so that from then on courts would deal with cases of ungovernability<br />

as “dependency” rather than del<strong>in</strong>quency matters.<br />

A 1980 law authorized f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g and photograph<strong>in</strong>g of juveniles and required that<br />

district attorneys receive notice before juveniles <strong>in</strong> secure custody could be stepped<br />

down to a less secure facility.<br />

In 1981, and aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> 1986 and 1989, the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Act was amended to relax<br />

confidentiality restrictions related to the records of some categories of juvenile<br />

offenders.<br />

The 1986 amendments also for the first time gave victims and their counsel and<br />

supporters the right to attend juvenile hear<strong>in</strong>gs, and prohibited the entry of a consent<br />

decree without the district attorney's assent.<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong>'s <strong>Juvenile</strong> Act took what is essentially its present shape <strong>in</strong> 1995, when the<br />

legislature acted to restrict the juvenile court's jurisdiction over a number of serious felonies<br />

(see § 4-4 for a list<strong>in</strong>g of excluded offenses) and also redef<strong>in</strong>ed the court's basic mission to<br />

<strong>in</strong>corporate “balanced and restorative justice” pr<strong>in</strong>ciples (see discussion <strong>in</strong> Chapter 2, above).<br />

§ 3-2 Basic <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Structure and Fund<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Especially <strong>in</strong> comparison with most other states, <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>'s is a highly decentralized<br />

juvenile justice system, characterized by an unusual amount of local control and<br />

experimentation and a very diverse mix of private del<strong>in</strong>quency service providers to<br />

supplement the public services network. There<br />

are states <strong>in</strong> which a s<strong>in</strong>gle “Department of<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong>,” answerable to the governor, is<br />

responsible for everyth<strong>in</strong>g. <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> isn't one<br />

of them. Here the state provides leadership, but<br />

the local juvenile courts run the probation<br />

departments. For the most part, the counties<br />

operate the detention centers. Judges decide<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s county-based,<br />

public/private approach to<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quency has produced a<br />

model system.<br />

where local juveniles will be committed, and relatively few end up <strong>in</strong> state-operated facilities.<br />

Even youth that are placed outside the home are far more likely to go to private <strong>in</strong>stitutions<br />

21


§ 3-2<br />

Overview of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System<br />

than public ones. And wherever they go, they rema<strong>in</strong> subject to local court custody and<br />

supervision.<br />

This diversified approach has some weaknesses, but it has many more strengths, and<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong>'s juvenile justice system is generally considered a model for the nation. So, for<br />

example, as a widely acknowledged “bellwether” on juvenile justice issues, <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> was<br />

the first state chosen to participate <strong>in</strong> the John D. and Cather<strong>in</strong>e T. MacArthur Foundation's<br />

Models for Change <strong>in</strong>itiative, a long-term effort to create successful and replicable models of<br />

juvenile justice system reform through targeted <strong>in</strong>vestments <strong>in</strong> key states. 6<br />

Basic Elements of the System<br />

The basic elements of the <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> juvenile justice system are the follow<strong>in</strong>g: 7<br />

n<br />

n<br />

n<br />

n<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> Courts. The <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Constitution gives the Courts of Common Pleas <strong>in</strong><br />

each of the state's 67 counties “unlimited orig<strong>in</strong>al jurisdiction <strong>in</strong> all cases except as may<br />

otherwise be provided by law.” 8 This general grant of authority extends to juvenile<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quency matters, among many others. Some counties have established permanent<br />

“juvenile divisions” of their Courts of Common Pleas, while others merely hold<br />

regularly scheduled “juvenile days.” By custom, however, whenever a Court of<br />

Common Pleas is hear<strong>in</strong>g a juvenile matter, it is referred to as a “juvenile court,” and<br />

this usage will be observed throughout this work.<br />

Court Adm<strong>in</strong>istration. In most counties, the adm<strong>in</strong>istrative direction of the juvenile<br />

court is entrusted to an adm<strong>in</strong>istrative judge designated by the president judge of the<br />

county. (In Philadelphia and Allegheny Counties, however, the adm<strong>in</strong>istrative judge is<br />

appo<strong>in</strong>ted by the Supreme Court.) In a number of jurisdictions, the president judge<br />

functions as the adm<strong>in</strong>istrative judge of the juvenile court. A chief juvenile probation<br />

officer is appo<strong>in</strong>ted by the court to oversee the county's juvenile probation department.<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> Probation. County juvenile probation officers <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> are the<br />

juvenile court's foot soldiers, serv<strong>in</strong>g as the primary po<strong>in</strong>ts of contact with court<strong>in</strong>volved<br />

youth from <strong>in</strong>take through case term<strong>in</strong>ation. They are responsible for <strong>in</strong>itial<br />

screen<strong>in</strong>g, predisposition <strong>in</strong>vestigation, probation supervision, and “aftercare” or postcommitment<br />

supervision. In some counties, they play a role <strong>in</strong> victim services as well.<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> probation officers <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> tend to be experienced, educated, and welltra<strong>in</strong>ed.<br />

To be hired, a juvenile probation officer must have a bachelor's degree with at<br />

least 18 credits <strong>in</strong> the social sciences, but about a quarter of all juvenile probation<br />

officers statewide hold graduate degrees. The annual turnover rate is about 10%. 9<br />

The <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Judges' Commission offers an optional 40-hour orientation for new<br />

officers through its Center for <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and Research at Shippensburg<br />

University, and mandates 40 hours of cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g annually. The JCJC also<br />

underwrites tuition for probation officers who complete a two-year weekend master's<br />

program at Shippensburg University that was developed especially for juvenile<br />

probation officers.<br />

Detention. There are a total of 22 secure juvenile detention facilities <strong>in</strong> operation <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong>-3 private facilities and 19 that are owned and operated by <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />

counties or several counties-accept<strong>in</strong>g temporary custody of juveniles await<strong>in</strong>g<br />

22


Overview of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System<br />

§ 3-2<br />

adjudication, disposition or placement. Some house only youth from their own counties,<br />

and others serve regional catchment areas. With a comb<strong>in</strong>ed total of approximately<br />

780 beds, these facilities accept as many as 20,000 admissions <strong>in</strong> a typical year. 10 The<br />

median length of stay <strong>in</strong> detention tends to be about 10 days. 11 Facility utilization rates<br />

(average daily population divided by bed capacity) tend to range from a low of about<br />

40% to a high of about 150%. 12<br />

n<br />

n<br />

State-Operated Institutions. The Bureau of <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Services (BJJ) with<strong>in</strong> the<br />

Department of Public Welfare's Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF)<br />

adm<strong>in</strong>isters and manages a network of Youth Development Centers, Youth Forestry<br />

Camps, and Secure Treatment Units. There are a total of 12 such state-operated<br />

facilities, one of which is operated for the state by a private contractor, with an overall<br />

capacity of 618 beds (365 secure and 253 non-secure, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a 16-bed community<br />

re-entry program and a 30-bed facility for females). Specialized programs serve sex<br />

offenders, substance abusers, emotionally disturbed offenders, developmentally delayed<br />

offenders, and dually-diagnosed offenders.<br />

Private Providers. <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>'s array of private sector del<strong>in</strong>quency service<br />

providers is arguably the best <strong>in</strong> the nation. There are well over 500 separate programs<br />

for del<strong>in</strong>quent youth <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g secure placement programs, group<br />

homes, day treatment programs, alternative schools, wilderness programs, shelter and<br />

foster care programs, and specialized mental health, drug and alcohol, and sex offender<br />

treatment programs, all privately run but <strong>in</strong>spected and approved by the Department of<br />

Public Welfare. Many have long and dist<strong>in</strong>guished histories, and some-such as the<br />

Glen Mills Schools <strong>in</strong> Concordville and George Junior Republic <strong>in</strong> Grove City-have been<br />

<strong>in</strong> the bus<strong>in</strong>ess of rehabilitat<strong>in</strong>g young people s<strong>in</strong>ce before there were juvenile courts.<br />

State Leadership Organizations<br />

Key state agencies and organizations with juvenile justice responsibilities <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

<strong>in</strong>clude the follow<strong>in</strong>g:<br />

n<br />

n<br />

Department of Public Welfare. The Department of Public Welfare, through its Office<br />

of Children, Youth and Families, runs the state's del<strong>in</strong>quency <strong>in</strong>stitutions, advises the<br />

courts regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stitutional placement decisions, and approves and licenses many local<br />

and private <strong>in</strong>stitutions for juveniles. The DPW also fixes each county's “needs-based<br />

budget” for purposes of state reimbursement of county-purchased services for<br />

juveniles (see discussion of “Act 148,” below), and adm<strong>in</strong>isters the state's “placement<br />

ma<strong>in</strong>tenance” program for juveniles placed outside their homes (see sidebar, “Title IV-<br />

E Reimbursement Under the Social Security Act”).<br />

The <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Commission on Crime and Del<strong>in</strong>quency. The <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

Commission on Crime and Del<strong>in</strong>quency is the agency responsible for statewide crim<strong>in</strong>al<br />

and juvenile justice system plann<strong>in</strong>g, coord<strong>in</strong>ation, and policy analysis. The PCCD<br />

provides data analysis, research, and legislative recommendations to the Governor's<br />

Office and the General Assembly, and adm<strong>in</strong>isters and supports a number of important<br />

juvenile justice grant fund<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>itiatives that benefit local governments. The state's<br />

Victim/Witness Assistance Program and its Crime Victims' Compensation Fund are<br />

overseen by the PCCD as well. The PCCD's expenditure of federal and state juvenile<br />

23


§ 3-2<br />

Overview of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System<br />

justice funds is guided by a formal advisory group of service providers and other<br />

professionals that sits as the <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> and Del<strong>in</strong>quency Prevention<br />

Committee.<br />

n<br />

The <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Judges' Commission. The <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Judges' Commission is<br />

a statutorily created body that collects and dissem<strong>in</strong>ates <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> juvenile court<br />

statistics, establishes adm<strong>in</strong>istrative and procedural standards for juvenile courts, and<br />

sets personnel practices and employment standards for juvenile probation departments.<br />

Local juvenile probation departments benefit from JCJC grants <strong>in</strong>tended to improve<br />

probation practice and promote various k<strong>in</strong>ds of specialized probation (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g schoolbased,<br />

community-based, <strong>in</strong>tensive, and aftercare probation), and receive tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g,<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g education and graduate education through the JCJC's Center for <strong>Juvenile</strong><br />

<strong>Justice</strong> Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and Research at Shippensburg University. The JCJC's n<strong>in</strong>e judgemembers<br />

are nom<strong>in</strong>ated by the Chief <strong>Justice</strong> of the <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Supreme Court and<br />

appo<strong>in</strong>ted by the Governor for three-year terms, and are served by a permanent staff <strong>in</strong><br />

Harrisburg and at Shippensburg University.<br />

n The <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Council of Chief <strong>Juvenile</strong> Probation Officers. The “Chiefs'<br />

Council” is a membership organization of chief probation officers, deputy chiefs,<br />

supervisors, and probation staff that sponsors and responds to proposed juvenile justice<br />

legislation, and works with the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Judges' Commission on probation tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g,<br />

education, and plann<strong>in</strong>g issues.<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Fund<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong> juvenile justice system costs-<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the costs of hous<strong>in</strong>g, supervis<strong>in</strong>g, treat<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

and otherwise meet<strong>in</strong>g the needs of youth <strong>in</strong> the system-may be paid for out of private, 13<br />

federal, state and county funds. In general, <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> law 14 provides that no state or<br />

local funds may be expended on behalf of a juvenile until all available federal and private<br />

funds for which the juvenile is eligible have been exhausted. Costs not otherwise covered by<br />

federal or private sources are shared by the state and county. Their respective shares are<br />

determ<strong>in</strong>ed by means of a detailed schedule of state reimbursements laid out <strong>in</strong> the Public<br />

Welfare Code. 15 As is discussed more fully below (see “Act 148 Funds”), the state covers a<br />

higher proportion of some k<strong>in</strong>ds of costs than of other k<strong>in</strong>ds. But state reimbursement is<br />

“capped” rather than unlimited: each county is allocated a f<strong>in</strong>ite amount, determ<strong>in</strong>ed through<br />

the “unified needs-based budget<strong>in</strong>g process,” to draw upon each year for services to<br />

dependent and del<strong>in</strong>quent children and youth. The county itself is liable for actual<br />

expenditures that exceed the cap.<br />

The pr<strong>in</strong>cipal sources of fund<strong>in</strong>g for juvenile justice <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> are as follows:<br />

Federal<br />

n<br />

Title IV-E. Established under Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act, the Title IV-<br />

E Placement Ma<strong>in</strong>tenance program reimburses <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> counties for a substantial<br />

portion (about 53%) of the costs of ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g eligible juveniles <strong>in</strong> court-ordered<br />

placements. (See sidebar, “Title IV-E Reimbursement Under the Social Security Act.”)<br />

24


Overview of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System<br />

§ 3-2<br />

TITLE IV-E REIMBURSEMENT UNDER THE<br />

SOCIAL SECURITY ACT<br />

Title IV-E is an open-ended entitlement program, adm<strong>in</strong>istered s<strong>in</strong>ce 1980 by the Children's<br />

Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which provides funds to<br />

help cover the expenses of ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g needy children <strong>in</strong> foster homes and child care<br />

<strong>in</strong>stitutions. Under Sec. 472(a) of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §672, a juvenile who<br />

has been removed from the home-whether it is <strong>in</strong> connection with a dependency or a<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quency case-is “IV-E eligible” if (1) the juvenile or the juvenile's family meets AFDC<br />

f<strong>in</strong>ancial need and other tests and (2) the remov<strong>in</strong>g court has exam<strong>in</strong>ed the facts and<br />

determ<strong>in</strong>ed that removal from the family home was necessary and could not reasonably<br />

have been avoided. Basically, Title IV-E placement assistance is available <strong>in</strong> del<strong>in</strong>quency<br />

cases if courts make the same determ<strong>in</strong>ations regard<strong>in</strong>g such issues as child safety,<br />

permanency and well-be<strong>in</strong>g that they are required by law to make <strong>in</strong> dependency cases.<br />

The <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Judges' Commission has Model Petitions and Court Orders specifically<br />

designed to help <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> courts comply with these requirements. The forms are<br />

available onl<strong>in</strong>e at www.jcjc.state.pa.us.<br />

Under 42 U.S.C. §671 and 45 CFR 1356.21, a county can access Title IV-E f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />

support only if its courts make detailed, timely, and clearly documented f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs on three<br />

issues <strong>in</strong> the cases of juveniles who require out-of-home placement:<br />

n<br />

n<br />

n<br />

Necessity of removal. The court authoriz<strong>in</strong>g a juvenile's removal from the home<br />

must make a fact-based determ<strong>in</strong>ation that “cont<strong>in</strong>uation <strong>in</strong> the home would be contrary<br />

to the welfare” of the juvenile-because he poses a threat to himself if left at large, for<br />

example, or needs out-of-home treatment, or will otherwise cont<strong>in</strong>ue offend<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

thereby risk <strong>in</strong>juries or further penalties. Moreover, the court must do so <strong>in</strong> the first<br />

order that sanctions the juvenile's removal, even temporarily. So, for example, <strong>in</strong> a<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quency case that commences with a juvenile's be<strong>in</strong>g taken <strong>in</strong>to custody and<br />

placed <strong>in</strong> detention, the court must make a “contrary to the welfare” f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g at the<br />

time of the detention hear<strong>in</strong>g-even though detention is not a “placement” qualify<strong>in</strong>g<br />

for IV-E fund<strong>in</strong>g. Failure to do so means that the costs of any subsequent placementeven<br />

<strong>in</strong> a qualify<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stitution-will not be reimbursable.<br />

Efforts to prevent removal. With<strong>in</strong> 60 days of removal, the court must f<strong>in</strong>d that<br />

“reasonable efforts” were made to prevent removal-or that, under the circumstances,<br />

a failure to make advance efforts to prevent removal was "reasonable."<br />

Efforts to f<strong>in</strong>alize permanency. With<strong>in</strong> 12 months of the date that the juvenile<br />

enters IV-E eligible foster care-generally at a special “permanency hear<strong>in</strong>g” that is<br />

required for juveniles who have rema<strong>in</strong>ed that long <strong>in</strong> placement-the court must f<strong>in</strong>d<br />

that “reasonable efforts have been made to f<strong>in</strong>alize a permanent placement for the<br />

child.”<br />

Title IV-E placement assistance helps cover the costs of “24-hour substitute care” <strong>in</strong> “licensed<br />

or approved” foster homes or child care <strong>in</strong>stitutions that fall with<strong>in</strong> the federal def<strong>in</strong>ition of<br />

“foster care.” Detention centers, tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g schools, forestry camps, and other facilities<br />

“operated primarily for the detention of children who are determ<strong>in</strong>ed to be del<strong>in</strong>quent” are<br />

specifically disqualified. But even physically secure facilities may qualify if the restrictions<br />

imposed on residents are <strong>in</strong>tended for treatment rather than detention.<br />

25


§ 3-2<br />

Overview of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System<br />

n<br />

Medicaid. The costs of a wide variety of medically necessary <strong>in</strong>-patient and outpatient<br />

services for eligible juveniles are reimbursable under <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>'s federally<br />

funded Medical Assistance program. The DPW implemented its Integrated Children's<br />

Services Initiative-often referred to as “Medicaid Realignment”–to maximize the use of<br />

federal Medical Assistance fund<strong>in</strong>g for “medically necessary” treatment services to<br />

dependent and del<strong>in</strong>quent youth. Through this <strong>in</strong>itiative, DPW identified behavioral<br />

health treatment services across the state that could be funded through the Medical<br />

Assistance program. This was a complex process requir<strong>in</strong>g agencies and services to<br />

adhere to licens<strong>in</strong>g and accreditation standards, some of which are difficult to meet,<br />

particularly for some small or rural county services. Child welfare and juvenile justice<br />

services (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g court ordered services) that do not fall under “medical necessity”<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be paid for with state and local funds through the Needs-Based Budget<strong>in</strong>g<br />

mechanism (described below).<br />

State<br />

n<br />

n<br />

“Act 148” Funds. After all other available fund<strong>in</strong>g sources have been tapped,<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g all available federal fund<strong>in</strong>g and fund<strong>in</strong>g from the parents of del<strong>in</strong>quent and<br />

dependent children, so-called “Act 148” funds from the state may be drawn on. Under<br />

62 P.S. §704.1 of the Public Welfare Code, as amended by Act 148 of 1976 as well as<br />

other laws, the state provides reimbursement for some of the costs of countypurchased<br />

services for juveniles, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g day treatment, counsel<strong>in</strong>g, foster and<br />

<strong>in</strong>stitutional care, and detention. Act 148 reimbursement varies from 50% to more than<br />

80% of covered costs, with the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g costs covered by local match<strong>in</strong>g funds. For<br />

<strong>in</strong>stance, <strong>in</strong>-home and community-based services that the state wishes to encourage<br />

(such as counsel<strong>in</strong>g, referral, and day treatment services) are generally 80%-<br />

reimbursed, while reimbursement rates are deliberately set lower for secure detention<br />

(50%), secure residential (60%), and non-community-based residential services (60%).<br />

But the total annual amount a county may receive from this source is limited. Every<br />

year a f<strong>in</strong>ite state allocation is set for each county, determ<strong>in</strong>ed by the Department of<br />

Public Welfare on the basis of the county's “Children and Youth Services Plan and<br />

Budget Estimate” for dependent and del<strong>in</strong>quent youth, which is submitted jo<strong>in</strong>tly by the<br />

juvenile court and the local children and youth agency. The plan/budget must take <strong>in</strong>to<br />

account the county's previous spend<strong>in</strong>g, the number of juveniles enter<strong>in</strong>g the system,<br />

projected trends, needed services, and so on, and must be arrived at with the<br />

participation of juvenile court judges as well as juvenile probation departments. To<br />

ensure that the judiciary has had <strong>in</strong>put <strong>in</strong>to the process and an opportunity to determ<strong>in</strong>e<br />

that the proposed budget estimate accurately reflects the needs of juveniles served by<br />

the court, judges are required to “sign off” on these estimates before they are<br />

submitted.<br />

Special grants. In addition to the above, the <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Commission on Crime and<br />

Del<strong>in</strong>quency adm<strong>in</strong>isters a number of grant programs that fund local juvenile justice<br />

agencies, 16 and the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Judges' Commission adm<strong>in</strong>isters a state-funded<br />

grant-<strong>in</strong>-aid program that supports staff positions <strong>in</strong> virtually all county juvenile<br />

probation departments. 17 Many of these grants require the county to pay for some<br />

portion of the expense covered by the grant with its own match<strong>in</strong>g funds.<br />

26


Overview of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System<br />

§ 3-3<br />

Local<br />

n<br />

County budgets. County tax dollars pay for everyth<strong>in</strong>g that is not funded by the above<br />

sources, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g juvenile court support staff, most probation staff, build<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

operat<strong>in</strong>g costs, local dollar matches required for state and federal grants, and amounts<br />

that exceed the Act 148 reimbursement cap.<br />

§ 3-3 Statistical Overview of Case Process<strong>in</strong>g<br />

A quick look at statistical <strong>in</strong>formation available from a variety of sources will convey a broad<br />

sense of the k<strong>in</strong>ds of cases the juvenile courts normally handle and how they dispose of them:<br />

n Overall volume. <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> law enforcement authorities make more than 100,000<br />

arrests a year <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g persons under 18. 18 Most of these arrests do not <strong>in</strong>volve<br />

serious crimes—<strong>in</strong> fact, more than n<strong>in</strong>e out<br />

of ten are for nonviolent offenses. But<br />

about a third of juvenile arrests result <strong>in</strong><br />

referrals to juvenile courts. <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

juvenile courts and probation departments<br />

dispose of more than 40,000 del<strong>in</strong>quency<br />

referrals a year, about three-quarters of<br />

them from police sources.<br />

Probation is by far the most<br />

common judicial response to<br />

juvenile offend<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong>.<br />

n<br />

n<br />

n<br />

n<br />

Typical offenses. The most common offenses disposed of <strong>in</strong> a typical year are thefts,<br />

burglaries, assaults, and drug offenses. 19<br />

Formal v. <strong>in</strong>formal handl<strong>in</strong>g. About a third of all referrals are typically handled<br />

without petition<strong>in</strong>g, while the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g two-thirds are petitioned. 20<br />

Dispositions. Probation is the court’s most frequent formal response to juvenile<br />

offend<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>. Nearly one <strong>in</strong> five referrals receives a formal probation<br />

disposition. When you add <strong>in</strong> consent decrees and <strong>in</strong>formal adjustments—each of<br />

which usually <strong>in</strong>volves a mandated period of probation supervision as well—as many as<br />

half of all cases referred to the juvenile court <strong>in</strong> a typical year might result <strong>in</strong> probation.<br />

By contrast, only about one <strong>in</strong> ten dispositions <strong>in</strong>volves court-ordered placement <strong>in</strong> a<br />

residential facility. 21 And follow<strong>in</strong>g the 1995 <strong>Juvenile</strong> Act amendments exclud<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

number of serious offenses from juvenile court jurisdiction (see § 6-1), judicial transfers<br />

to crim<strong>in</strong>al court have become extremely rare also, with fewer than one <strong>in</strong> a hundred<br />

referrals result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> transfer <strong>in</strong> a typical year. 22<br />

Types of placements. Of the relatively small number of youth who receive placement<br />

dispositions <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>, about a third go to private nonsecure <strong>in</strong>stitutions. Fewer<br />

than one <strong>in</strong> ten go to the most secure public <strong>in</strong>stitutions—the Youth Development<br />

Centers operated by the state DPW. 23<br />

27


§ 3-3<br />

Overview of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System<br />

MANAGING THE INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF JUVENILES<br />

U.S. states have formally cooperated for more than half a century <strong>in</strong> manag<strong>in</strong>g the movement<br />

of juvenile del<strong>in</strong>quents and status offenders across state l<strong>in</strong>es-<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g juveniles who run<br />

away, abscond or escape to other states, commit crimes while away from their home states,<br />

or need <strong>in</strong>stitutional or other services that are not available <strong>in</strong> their home states. The first<br />

Interstate Compact on <strong>Juvenile</strong>s was concluded <strong>in</strong> 1955. Essentially a 50-state treaty<br />

govern<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>terstate movement of an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 juveniles annually, the<br />

Interstate Compact provided mechanisms for the return of <strong>in</strong>terstate runaways; made it<br />

possible for juveniles under court supervision to travel or move between states, and for<br />

committed juveniles to receive <strong>in</strong>stitutional care or specialized services <strong>in</strong> other states; and<br />

served as a k<strong>in</strong>d of extradition arrangement with respect to juvenile offenders, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />

absconders and escapees.<br />

S<strong>in</strong>ce its creation <strong>in</strong> 1955, the exist<strong>in</strong>g Compact has been severely compromised due to the<br />

<strong>in</strong>complete adoption of three subsequent amendments to the Compact and by the <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />

actions of states. Only <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> and six other states had adopted the orig<strong>in</strong>al 1955<br />

Compact and the three subsequent amendments. Consequently, judges should be aware<br />

that there is substantial <strong>in</strong>consistency <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>terpretation and application of the exist<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Compact. Essentially, common agreement among states concern<strong>in</strong>g what types of juveniles<br />

can be sent to other states for supervision does not exist, and there is no authority to hold<br />

states accountable for follow<strong>in</strong>g Compact rules.<br />

The states are currently <strong>in</strong> the process of adopt<strong>in</strong>g an improved version of the Interstate<br />

Compact. Known as the “Interstate Compact for <strong>Juvenile</strong>s,” the new agreement is the<br />

result of a nationwide effort begun <strong>in</strong> 2000 as a jo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong>itiative of the Council of State<br />

Governments, the federal Office of <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> and Del<strong>in</strong>quency Prevention, and the<br />

Association of <strong>Juvenile</strong> Compact Adm<strong>in</strong>istrators. It makes various needed changes to the<br />

orig<strong>in</strong>al Compact, establish<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>dependent operat<strong>in</strong>g authority to adm<strong>in</strong>ister ongo<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Compact activity, provid<strong>in</strong>g for better fund<strong>in</strong>g and sanction<strong>in</strong>g systems to support essential<br />

Compact operations, and mandat<strong>in</strong>g the collection of standardized <strong>in</strong>formation. When effective<br />

and operational, the new Compact should be a major improvement over the exist<strong>in</strong>g<br />

agreement.<br />

The exist<strong>in</strong>g Compact will be repealed when the new Compact, adopted <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> by<br />

Act 54 of 2004 (see text at 11 P.S. §§890.1-890.6), becomes effective and operative between<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong> and any other state. The effective date of the new Compact will be when the<br />

35th jurisdiction enacts the Compact <strong>in</strong>to law. As of September 2006, 30 states had enacted<br />

the necessary legislation. In addition to the states, the District of Columbia, the<br />

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virg<strong>in</strong> Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the<br />

Northern Marianas islands are eligible to become "Compact<strong>in</strong>g states."<br />

28


Overview of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System<br />

§ 3-3<br />

n<br />

Case process<strong>in</strong>g times. The amount of time it takes to br<strong>in</strong>g a formal del<strong>in</strong>quency<br />

case to disposition varies considerably from county to county, from as few as four or<br />

five weeks to as many as twenty. In most years the statewide median for formally<br />

handled cases is about ten to twelve weeks. Process<strong>in</strong>g times for <strong>in</strong>formally handled<br />

cases range even more widely, but the statewide median is generally about six weeks. 24<br />

ENDNOTES<br />

1<br />

Blackstone, Sir William. Commentaries on the Laws of England.<br />

2<br />

McCarthy, Pa. <strong>Juvenile</strong> Del<strong>in</strong>quency Prac. & Proc. (4 th Ed.), § 1-2.<br />

3<br />

Bremner, R. (1971). Children and Youth <strong>in</strong> America: A Documentary History, Vols. 1 and 2.<br />

Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.<br />

4<br />

See Anderson, J. (March 1999). “<strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System: A Rich Heritage, Clear<br />

Mission, and Bright Future.” <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> 8(3). Shippensburg, PA: Center for<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g & Research. Except where otherwise noted, all subsequent material on the<br />

history of the <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> juvenile courts is taken from Anderson.<br />

5<br />

“An Act to Regulate the Treatment and Control of Dependent, Neglected and Del<strong>in</strong>quent Children,”<br />

Revised Statutes of the State of Ill<strong>in</strong>ois, 1899, quoted <strong>in</strong> Trattner, W. (1999). From Poor Law to<br />

Welfare State. New York, NY: The Free Press.<br />

6<br />

Models for Change is a multi-state project that seeks to accelerate movement toward a more effective,<br />

fair, and developmentally sound juvenile justice system. More <strong>in</strong>formation is available at http://<br />

www.jlc.org/mfc/.<br />

7<br />

Except where otherwise noted, <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong> this section is taken from National Center for <strong>Juvenile</strong><br />

<strong>Justice</strong>. (2002). “<strong>Pennsylvania</strong>.” State <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Profiles. Pittsburgh, PA: NCJJ. Available<br />

onl<strong>in</strong>e at http://www.ncjj.org/stateprofiles/.<br />

8<br />

Article V, Section 5, <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Constitution.<br />

9<br />

Anderson, J. (March 1999). “<strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System: A Rich Heritage, Clear<br />

Mission, and Bright Future.” <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> 8(3). Shippensburg, PA: Center for<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g & Research.<br />

10<br />

With a comb<strong>in</strong>ed total of 763 beds, these facilities accepted 18,968 admissions <strong>in</strong> 2005. The Secure<br />

Detention Monitor<strong>in</strong>g Project. (2005). Federal Audit Report. With a comb<strong>in</strong>ed total of 763 beds, these<br />

facilities accepted 18,968 admissions <strong>in</strong> 2005.<br />

11<br />

See <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Judges’ Commission. <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Dispositions 2004. Center<br />

for <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and Research: Shippensburg, PA. Note that the median length of stay<br />

reported here does not reflect data from Philadelphia’s Youth Study Center. Current statistics are<br />

available from the JCJC website (http://www.jcjc.state.pa.us/jcjc/site/default.asp).<br />

12<br />

See <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Judges’ Commission. <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Dispositions 2004. Center<br />

for <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and Research: Shippensburg, PA. Four detention centers exceeded their<br />

licensed bed capacities on an average day dur<strong>in</strong>g the year 2004—which was a significant improvement<br />

from previous years.<br />

13<br />

For example, 62 P.S. §704.1(e) authorizes courts to order f<strong>in</strong>ancially able parents to pay all or part of<br />

the cost of services to their m<strong>in</strong>or children, <strong>in</strong> fulfillment of their general support obligations under 23<br />

Pa.C.S.§4321.<br />

14<br />

62 P.S. §704.2.<br />

15<br />

62 P.S. §704.1.<br />

16<br />

Fund<strong>in</strong>g streams adm<strong>in</strong>istered by the PCCD are described <strong>in</strong> the “Grants” section of the<br />

Commission’s website at http://www.pccd.state.pa.us/.<br />

17<br />

The JCJC adm<strong>in</strong>isters grants for a variety of specialized probation services, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g aftercare,<br />

community-based, <strong>in</strong>tensive, school-based, and <strong>in</strong>tensive and aftercare probation for drug and alcohol<br />

offenders.<br />

18<br />

Unless otherwise noted, the source of arrest and offense <strong>in</strong>formation summarized <strong>in</strong> this part is<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong> State Police Uniform Crime Report<strong>in</strong>g data analyzed <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Electronic<br />

29


Overview of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> System<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> Databook (discussed more fully at §11-1, below), while the source of disposition<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation is the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Judges’ Commission’s <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Dispositions<br />

series. The most up-to-date statistics are always available from the Databook website (http://<br />

ncjj.servehttp.com/padatabook/) and from the JCJC website (http://www.jcjc.state.pa.us/jcjc/site/<br />

default.asp). In the year 2004, <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> law enforcement authorities recorded almost 109,000<br />

arrests <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g persons under 18—out of a total under-18 population of about 2.8 million and a<br />

juvenile del<strong>in</strong>quency age (10-17) population of about 1.3 million. Note that the total juvenile arrest<br />

figure does not reflect the total number of juveniles arrested, s<strong>in</strong>ce a s<strong>in</strong>gle juvenile may be arrested<br />

multiple times. Likewise, a s<strong>in</strong>gle youth may be <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> a number of dispositions dur<strong>in</strong>g a calendar<br />

year, or may be referred to the court on more than one occasion and receive a s<strong>in</strong>gle disposition.<br />

19<br />

For example, of all the cases disposed of <strong>in</strong> 2000, 61% <strong>in</strong>volved one or another of these as the most<br />

serious charge.<br />

20<br />

In 2004, about 70% of the cases handled were petitioned. The rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g 30% were disposed of<br />

without petition<strong>in</strong>g. Zawacki, Susanna. (Forthcom<strong>in</strong>g). Track<strong>in</strong>g the Trends: Crime and Court<br />

Involvement of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>’s Youth. Pittsburgh, PA: National Center for <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong>.<br />

21<br />

In 2004, probation accounted for about 18.7% of all juvenile court dispositions, consent decrees for<br />

17.5%, and <strong>in</strong>formal adjustments for 15.7%. Court-ordered placements made up 10.4% of dispositions,<br />

count<strong>in</strong>g both orig<strong>in</strong>al dispositions and disposition reviews.<br />

22<br />

Only 172 transfers occurred <strong>in</strong> the whole state <strong>in</strong> 2004, account<strong>in</strong>g for less than half a percent of the<br />

total juvenile court dispositions<br />

23<br />

In 2004, 32.1% of placements were to private nonsecure <strong>in</strong>stitutions, while 6.2% were to public secure<br />

facilities.<br />

24<br />

For formally handled cases, the median number of days from referral to disposition varied <strong>in</strong> 2004 from<br />

a low of 33 days <strong>in</strong> one county to a high of 130 days <strong>in</strong> another. The statewide median for formally<br />

handled cases was 75 days. Counties’ median process<strong>in</strong>g times for <strong>in</strong>formally handled cases ranged all<br />

the way from a low of 3 days to a high of 597 days; the statewide median was 41 days.<br />

30


The <strong>Juvenile</strong> Act<br />

42 Pa. C.S.A. § 6301 et seq


THE<br />

JUVENILE ACT<br />

42 Pa.C.S. Sec. 6301 et seq.<br />

with appendix<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Judges’ Commission<br />

Commonwealth of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

January 2008


TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />

SUBCHAPTER A - GENERAL PROVISIONS<br />

§6301. Short title and purposes of chapter .............................................................. 3<br />

§6302. Def<strong>in</strong>itions .................................................................................................... 4<br />

§6303. Scope of chapter.......................................................................................... 8<br />

§6304. Powers and duties of probation officers....................................................... 9<br />

§6304.1 Summary offenses....................................................................................... 12<br />

§6305. Masters........................................................................................................ 13<br />

§6306. Costs and expenses of care of child ............................................................ 13<br />

§6307. Inspection of court files and records ............................................................ 13<br />

§6308. Law enforcement records ............................................................................ 16<br />

§6309. <strong>Juvenile</strong> history record <strong>in</strong>formation .............................................................. 19<br />

§6310. Parental participation ................................................................................... 20<br />

§6311. Guardian ad litem for child <strong>in</strong> court proceed<strong>in</strong>gs.......................................... 21<br />

SUBCHAPTER B - JURISDICTION AND C<strong>US</strong>TODY<br />

§6321. Commencement of proceed<strong>in</strong>gs .................................................................. 23<br />

§6322. Transfer from crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>gs ............................................................. 24<br />

§6323. Informal adjustment ..................................................................................... 25<br />

§6324. Tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to custody...................................................................................... 26<br />

§6325. Detention of child ......................................................................................... 27<br />

§6326. Release or delivery to court ......................................................................... 27<br />

§6327. Place of detention ........................................................................................ 29<br />

SUBCHAPTER C - PROCEDURES AND SAFEGUARDS<br />

§6331. Release from detention or commencement of proceed<strong>in</strong>gs......................... 31<br />

§6332. Informal hear<strong>in</strong>g........................................................................................... 31<br />

§6333. Subpoena .................................................................................................... 32<br />

§6334. Petition......................................................................................................... 32<br />

§6335. Release or hold<strong>in</strong>g of hear<strong>in</strong>g ...................................................................... 33<br />

§6336. Conduct of hear<strong>in</strong>gs..................................................................................... 36<br />

§6336.1 Notice and hear<strong>in</strong>g....................................................................................... 37<br />

§6337. Right to counsel ........................................................................................... 37<br />

§6338. Other basic rights......................................................................................... 38<br />

1


§6339. Investigation and report ............................................................................... 38<br />

§6340. Consent decree ........................................................................................... 39<br />

§6341. Adjudication ................................................................................................. 40<br />

§6342. Court Appo<strong>in</strong>ted Special Advocates............................................................. 42<br />

SUBCHAPTER D - DISPOSITION OF CHILDREN GENERALLY<br />

§6351. Disposition of dependent child ..................................................................... 44<br />

§6351.1 Authority of court upon petition to remove child from foster parent.............. 49<br />

§6352. Disposition of del<strong>in</strong>quent child ..................................................................... 49<br />

§6352.1 Treatment records ....................................................................................... 51<br />

§6353. Limitation on and change <strong>in</strong> place of commitment ....................................... 51<br />

§6354. Effect of adjudication ................................................................................... 52<br />

§6355. Transfer to crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>gs.................................................................. 53<br />

§6356. Disposition of mentally ill or mentally retarded child..................................... 56<br />

§6357. Rights and duties of legal custodian ............................................................ 56<br />

§6358. Assessment of del<strong>in</strong>quent children by the State Sexual Offenders<br />

Assessment Board....................................................................................... 56<br />

SUBCHAPTER E - DISPOSITIONS AFFECTING OTHER JURISDICTIONS<br />

§6361. Disposition of nonresident child ................................................................... 58<br />

§6362. Disposition of resident child received from another state............................. 59<br />

§6363. Order<strong>in</strong>g foreign supervision........................................................................ 59<br />

§6364. Supervision under foreign order................................................................... 60<br />

§6365. Powers of foreign probation officers ............................................................ 61<br />

2


CHAPTER 63<br />

JUVENILE MATTERS<br />

Subchapter<br />

A. General Provisions<br />

B. Jurisdiction and Custody<br />

C. Procedures and Safeguards<br />

D. Disposition of Children Generally<br />

E. Dispositions Affect<strong>in</strong>g Other Jurisdictions<br />

SUBCHAPTER A<br />

GENERAL PROVISIONS<br />

Section<br />

6301. Short title and purposes of chapter.<br />

6302. Def<strong>in</strong>itions.<br />

6303. Scope of chapter.<br />

6304. Powers and duties of probation officers.<br />

6304.1 Summary offenses<br />

6305. Masters.<br />

6306. Costs and expenses of care of child.<br />

6307. Inspection of court files and records.<br />

6308. Law enforcement records.<br />

6309. <strong>Juvenile</strong> history record <strong>in</strong>formation.<br />

6310. Parental participation.<br />

6311. Guardian ad litem for child <strong>in</strong> court proceed<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

§6301. Short title and purposes of chapter<br />

(a)<br />

Short title.--This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “<strong>Juvenile</strong> Act.”<br />

(b) Purposes.--This chapter shall be <strong>in</strong>terpreted and construed as to effectuate the<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g purposes:<br />

(1) To preserve the unity of the family whenever possible or to provide another<br />

alternative permanent family when the unity of the family cannot be ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed.<br />

(1.1) To provide for the care, protection, safety and wholesome mental and physical<br />

development of children com<strong>in</strong>g with<strong>in</strong> the provisions of this chapter.<br />

3


(2) Consistent with the protection of the public <strong>in</strong>terest, to provide for children<br />

committ<strong>in</strong>g del<strong>in</strong>quent acts programs of supervision, care and rehabilitation which<br />

provide balanced attention to the protection of the community, the imposition of<br />

accountability for offenses committed and the development of competencies to enable<br />

children to become responsible and productive members of the community.<br />

(3) To achieve the forego<strong>in</strong>g purposes <strong>in</strong> a family environment whenever possible,<br />

separat<strong>in</strong>g the child from parents only when necessary for his welfare, safety or health<br />

or <strong>in</strong> the <strong>in</strong>terests of public safety.<br />

(4) To provide means through which the provisions of this chapter are executed<br />

and enforced and <strong>in</strong> which the parties are assured a fair hear<strong>in</strong>g and their constitutional<br />

and other legal rights recognized and enforced.<br />

Cross References. Section 6301 is referred to <strong>in</strong> section 6352 of this title.<br />

§6302. Def<strong>in</strong>itions<br />

The follow<strong>in</strong>g words and phrases when used <strong>in</strong> this chapter shall have, unless the<br />

context clearly <strong>in</strong>dicates otherwise, the mean<strong>in</strong>gs given to them <strong>in</strong> this section:<br />

“Aggravated circumstances.” Any of the follow<strong>in</strong>g circumstances:<br />

(1) The child is <strong>in</strong> the custody of a county agency and either:<br />

(i) the identity or whereabouts of the parents is unknown and cannot be<br />

ascerta<strong>in</strong>ed and the parent does not claim the child with<strong>in</strong> three months of the date<br />

the child was taken <strong>in</strong>to custody; or<br />

(ii) the identity or whereabouts of the parents is known and the parents have<br />

failed to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> substantial and cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g contact with the child for a period of six<br />

months.<br />

(2) The child or another child of the parent has been the victim of physical abuse<br />

result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> serious bodily <strong>in</strong>jury, sexual violence or aggravated physical neglect by the<br />

parent.<br />

(3) The parent of the child has been convicted of any of the follow<strong>in</strong>g offenses<br />

where the victim was a child:<br />

(i)<br />

crim<strong>in</strong>al homicide under 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 25 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to crim<strong>in</strong>al homicide);<br />

(ii) a felony under 18 Pa.C.S. §2702 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to aggravated assault), 3121<br />

(relat<strong>in</strong>g to rape), 3122.1 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to statutory sexual assault), 3123 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

4


<strong>in</strong>voluntary deviate sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse), 3124.1 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to sexual assault) or 3125<br />

(relat<strong>in</strong>g to aggravated <strong>in</strong>decent assault).<br />

(iii)<br />

(iv)<br />

a misdemeanor under 18 Pa.C.S. §3126 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>decent assault).<br />

an equivalent crime <strong>in</strong> another jurisdiction.<br />

(4) The attempt, solicitation or conspiracy to commit any of the offenses set forth <strong>in</strong><br />

paragraph (3).<br />

(5) The parental rights of the parent have been <strong>in</strong>voluntarily term<strong>in</strong>ated with<br />

respect to a child of the parent.<br />

“Aggravated physical neglect.” Any omission <strong>in</strong> the care of a child which results <strong>in</strong> a<br />

life-threaten<strong>in</strong>g condition or seriously impairs the child's function<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

“Board.”<br />

The State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board.<br />

“Child.” An <strong>in</strong>dividual who:<br />

(1) is under the age of 18 years;<br />

(2) is under the age of 21 years who committed an act of del<strong>in</strong>quency before<br />

reach<strong>in</strong>g the age of 18 years; or<br />

(3) was adjudicated dependent before reach<strong>in</strong>g the age of 18 years and who, while<br />

engaged <strong>in</strong> a course of <strong>in</strong>struction or treatment, requests the court to reta<strong>in</strong> jurisdiction<br />

until the course has been completed, but <strong>in</strong> no event shall a child rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> a course of<br />

<strong>in</strong>struction or treatment past the age of 21 years.<br />

“County agency.” The term as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 23 Pa.C.S. §6303 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to def<strong>in</strong>itions).<br />

“Court.” The court of common pleas.<br />

“Court-appo<strong>in</strong>ted special advocate” or “CASA.” An <strong>in</strong>dividual appo<strong>in</strong>ted by the<br />

court to participate as an advocate for a child who is dependent or alleged to be dependent.<br />

“Custodian.” A person other than a parent or legal guardian, who stands <strong>in</strong> loco<br />

parentis to the child, or a person to whom legal custody of the child has been given by<br />

order of a court.<br />

“Del<strong>in</strong>quent act.”<br />

(1) The term means an act designated a crime under the law of this<br />

Commonwealth, or of another state if the act occurred <strong>in</strong> that state, or under Federal<br />

5


law, or under local ord<strong>in</strong>ances or an act which constitutes <strong>in</strong>direct crim<strong>in</strong>al contempt<br />

under 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 61 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to protection from abuse).<br />

(2) The term shall not <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />

(i)<br />

The crime of murder.<br />

(ii) Any of the follow<strong>in</strong>g prohibited conduct where the child was 15 years of age<br />

or older at the time of the alleged conduct and a deadly weapon as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18<br />

Pa.C.S. §2301 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to def<strong>in</strong>itions) was used dur<strong>in</strong>g the commission of the offense<br />

which, if committed by an adult, would be classified as:<br />

(A)<br />

Rape as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3121 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to rape).<br />

(B) Involuntary deviate sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3123<br />

(relat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>voluntary deviate sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse).<br />

(C) Aggravated assault as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §2702(a)(1) or (2) (relat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to aggravated assault).<br />

(D) Robbery as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3701(a)(1)(i), (ii) or (iii) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

robbery).<br />

(E) Robbery of motor vehicle as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3702 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

robbery of motor vehicle).<br />

(F) Aggravated <strong>in</strong>decent assault as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3125 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

aggravated <strong>in</strong>decent assault).<br />

(G)<br />

(H)<br />

Kidnapp<strong>in</strong>g as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §2901 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to kidnapp<strong>in</strong>g).<br />

Voluntary manslaughter.<br />

(I) An attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder or any of these<br />

crimes as provided <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §§901 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to crim<strong>in</strong>al attempt), 902 (relat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to crim<strong>in</strong>al solicitation) and 903 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to crim<strong>in</strong>al conspiracy).<br />

(iii) Any of the follow<strong>in</strong>g prohibited conduct where the child was 15 years of age<br />

or older at the time of the alleged conduct and has been previously adjudicated<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quent of any of the follow<strong>in</strong>g prohibited conduct which, if committed by an adult,<br />

would be classified as:<br />

(A) Rape as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3121.<br />

(B) Involuntary deviate sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3123.<br />

6


(C)<br />

Robbery as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3701(a)(1)(i), (ii) or (iii).<br />

(D) Robbery of motor vehicle as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3702.<br />

(E) Aggravated <strong>in</strong>decent assault as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3125.<br />

(F) Kidnapp<strong>in</strong>g as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §2901.<br />

(G)<br />

Voluntary manslaughter.<br />

(H) An attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder or any of these<br />

crimes as provided <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §§901, 902 and 903.<br />

(iv) Summary offenses, unless the child fails to comply with a lawful sentence<br />

imposed thereunder, <strong>in</strong> which event notice of such fact shall be certified to the court.<br />

(v) A crime committed by a child who has been found guilty <strong>in</strong> a crim<strong>in</strong>al<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>g for other than a summary offense.<br />

“Del<strong>in</strong>quent child.” A child ten years of age or older whom the court has found to<br />

have committed a del<strong>in</strong>quent act and is <strong>in</strong> need of treatment, supervision or rehabilitation.<br />

“Dependent child.” A child who:<br />

(1) is without proper parental care or control, subsistence, education as required by<br />

law, or other care or control necessary for his physical, mental, or emotional health, or<br />

morals. A determ<strong>in</strong>ation that there is a lack of proper parental care or control may be<br />

based upon evidence of conduct by the parent, guardian or other custodian that places<br />

the health, safety or welfare of the child at risk, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g evidence of the parent's,<br />

guardian's or other custodian's use of alcohol or a controlled substance that places the<br />

health, safety or welfare of the child at risk;<br />

(2) has been placed for care or adoption <strong>in</strong> violation of law;<br />

(3) has been abandoned by his parents, guardian, or other custodian;<br />

(4) is without a parent, guardian, or legal custodian;<br />

(5) while subject to compulsory school attendance is habitually and without<br />

justification truant from school;<br />

(6) has committed a specific act or acts of habitual disobedience of the reasonable<br />

and lawful commands of his parent, guardian or other custodian and who is<br />

ungovernable and found to be <strong>in</strong> need of care, treatment or supervision;<br />

(7) is under the age of ten years and has committed a del<strong>in</strong>quent act;<br />

7


(8) has been formerly adjudicated dependent, and is under the jurisdiction of the<br />

court, subject to its conditions or placements and who commits an act which is def<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

as ungovernable <strong>in</strong> paragraph (6);<br />

(9) has been referred pursuant to section 6323 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>formal adjustment),<br />

and who commits an act which is def<strong>in</strong>ed as ungovernable <strong>in</strong> paragraph (6); or<br />

(10) is born to a parent whose parental rights with regard to another child have been<br />

<strong>in</strong>voluntarily term<strong>in</strong>ated under 23 Pa.C.S. §2511 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to grounds for <strong>in</strong>voluntary<br />

term<strong>in</strong>ation) with<strong>in</strong> three years immediately preced<strong>in</strong>g the date of birth of the child and<br />

conduct of the parent poses a risk to the health, safety or welfare of the child.<br />

“Facility designed or operated for the benefit of del<strong>in</strong>quent children.” A facility<br />

that either identifies itself by charter, articles of <strong>in</strong>corporation or program description as<br />

solely for del<strong>in</strong>quent children.<br />

“Protective supervision.” Supervision ordered by the court of children found to be<br />

dependent.<br />

“Serious bodily <strong>in</strong>jury.” Bodily <strong>in</strong>jury which creates a substantial risk of death or<br />

which causes serious, permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the<br />

function of any bodily member or organ.<br />

“Sexual violence.” Rape, <strong>in</strong>decent contact as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3101 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

def<strong>in</strong>itions), <strong>in</strong>cest or us<strong>in</strong>g, caus<strong>in</strong>g, permitt<strong>in</strong>g, persuad<strong>in</strong>g or coerc<strong>in</strong>g the child to engage<br />

<strong>in</strong> a prohibited sexual act as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §6312(a) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to sexual abuse of<br />

children) or a simulation of a prohibited sexual act for the purpose of photograph<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

videotap<strong>in</strong>g, depict<strong>in</strong>g on computer or film<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g the child.<br />

“Shelter care.” Temporary care of a child <strong>in</strong> physically unrestricted facilities. A facility<br />

approved by the Department of Public Welfare to provide shelter care may be located <strong>in</strong> the<br />

same build<strong>in</strong>g as a facility approved to provide secure detention services provided that<br />

children receiv<strong>in</strong>g shelter care services are segregated from the children receiv<strong>in</strong>g secure<br />

detention services as required by the department.<br />

Cross References. Section 6302 is referred to <strong>in</strong> sections 6303, 6322, 6323, 6327, 6351,<br />

6355 of this title; sections 6114, 6315 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations).<br />

§6303. Scope of chapter<br />

(a)<br />

General rule.--This chapter shall apply exclusively to the follow<strong>in</strong>g:<br />

(1) Proceed<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> which a child is alleged to be del<strong>in</strong>quent or dependent.<br />

(2) Transfers under section 6322 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to transfer from crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>gs).<br />

8


(3) Proceed<strong>in</strong>gs aris<strong>in</strong>g under Subchapter E (relat<strong>in</strong>g to dispositions affect<strong>in</strong>g other<br />

jurisdictions).<br />

(4) Proceed<strong>in</strong>gs under the Interstate Compact on <strong>Juvenile</strong>s, as set forth <strong>in</strong> section<br />

731 of the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L. 31, No. 21), known as the Public Welfare Code.<br />

(5) Proceed<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> which a child is charged with a summary offense aris<strong>in</strong>g out of<br />

the same episode or transaction <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g a del<strong>in</strong>quent act for which a petition alleg<strong>in</strong>g<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quency is filed under this chapter. The summary offense shall be <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> any<br />

petition regard<strong>in</strong>g the accompany<strong>in</strong>g del<strong>in</strong>quent act. Upon f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g a child to have<br />

committed a summary offense, the court may utilize any disposition available to the<br />

m<strong>in</strong>or judiciary where a child is found to have committed a summary offense, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g of guilt on the summary offense.<br />

(b) M<strong>in</strong>or judiciary.--No child shall be deta<strong>in</strong>ed, committed or sentenced to<br />

imprisonment by a district justice or a judge of the m<strong>in</strong>or judiciary unless the child is<br />

charged with an act set forth <strong>in</strong> paragraph (2)(i), (ii), (iii) or (v) of the def<strong>in</strong>ition of<br />

“Del<strong>in</strong>quent Act” <strong>in</strong> section 6302 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to def<strong>in</strong>itions).<br />

Suspended <strong>in</strong> Part<br />

This subsection is suspended by Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 800(8) only <strong>in</strong>sofar<br />

as it is <strong>in</strong>consistent with Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 210, which allows Magisterial<br />

District Judges to deta<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> limited circumstances.<br />

Cross References. Section 6303 is referred to <strong>in</strong> section 6336 of this title.<br />

§6304. Powers and duties of probation officers<br />

(a) General rule.--For the purpose of carry<strong>in</strong>g out the objectives and purposes of this<br />

chapter, and subject to the limitations of this chapter or imposed by the court, a probation<br />

officer shall:<br />

(1) Make <strong>in</strong>vestigations, reports, and recommendations to the court.<br />

(2) Receive and exam<strong>in</strong>e compla<strong>in</strong>ts and charges of del<strong>in</strong>quency or dependency of<br />

a child for the purpose of consider<strong>in</strong>g the commencement of proceed<strong>in</strong>gs under this<br />

chapter.<br />

Suspended <strong>in</strong> Part<br />

This subsection is suspended by Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 800(10) only <strong>in</strong>sofar<br />

as it is <strong>in</strong>consistent with Pa.R.J.C.P. Rules 231 and 330, which provide that<br />

the District Attorney may file a certification that requires an attorney for the<br />

Commonwealth to <strong>in</strong>itially receive and approve written allegations and<br />

petitions.<br />

9


(3) Supervise and assist a child placed on probation or <strong>in</strong> his protective supervision<br />

or care by order of the court or other authority of law.<br />

(4) Make appropriate referrals to other private or public agencies of the community<br />

if their assistance appears to be needed or desirable.<br />

(5) Take <strong>in</strong>to custody and deta<strong>in</strong> a child who is under his supervision or care as a<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quent or dependent child if the probation officer has reasonable cause to believe<br />

that the health or safety of the child is <strong>in</strong> imm<strong>in</strong>ent danger, or that he may abscond or be<br />

removed from the jurisdiction of the court, or when ordered by the court pursuant to this<br />

chapter or that he violated the conditions of his probation.<br />

(6) Perform all other functions designated by this chapter or by order of the court<br />

pursuant thereto.<br />

(a.1) Authority to search.--<br />

(1) Probation officers may search the person and property of children:<br />

(i) under their supervision as del<strong>in</strong>quent children or pursuant to a consent<br />

decree <strong>in</strong> accordance with this section;<br />

(ii) taken <strong>in</strong>to custody pursuant to subsection (a) and section 6324 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to custody); and<br />

(iii) deta<strong>in</strong>ed pursuant to subsection (a) and section 6325 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to detention<br />

of child) or dur<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>take process pursuant to subsection (a) and section 6331<br />

(relat<strong>in</strong>g to release from detention or commencement of proceed<strong>in</strong>gs), and <strong>in</strong><br />

accordance with this section.<br />

(2) Noth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> this section shall be construed to permit searches or seizures <strong>in</strong><br />

violation of the Constitution of the United States or section 8 of Article I of the<br />

Constitution of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>.<br />

(3) No violation of this section shall constitute an <strong>in</strong>dependent ground for<br />

suppression of evidence <strong>in</strong> any proceed<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

(4) (i) A personal search of a child may be conducted by any probation officer:<br />

(A) if there is a reasonable suspicion to believe that the child possesses<br />

contraband or other evidence of violations of the conditions of supervision.<br />

(B)<br />

when a child is transported or taken <strong>in</strong>to custody.<br />

(C) when a child enters or leaves a detention center, <strong>in</strong>stitution or other<br />

facility for alleged or adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent children.<br />

10


(ii) A property search may be conducted by any probation officer if there is<br />

reasonable suspicion to believe that the real or other property <strong>in</strong> the possession of or<br />

under the control of the child conta<strong>in</strong>s contraband or other evidence of violations of<br />

the conditions of supervision.<br />

(iii) Prior approval of a supervisor shall be obta<strong>in</strong>ed for a property search absent<br />

exigent circumstances, or unless the search is be<strong>in</strong>g conducted by a supervisor. No<br />

prior approval shall be required for a personal search.<br />

(iv) A written report of every property search conducted without prior approval<br />

shall be prepared by the probation officer who conducted the search and filed <strong>in</strong> the<br />

child’s case record. The exigent circumstances shall be stated <strong>in</strong> the report.<br />

(v) The child may be deta<strong>in</strong>ed if he is present dur<strong>in</strong>g a property search. If the<br />

child is not present dur<strong>in</strong>g a property search, the probation officer <strong>in</strong> charge of the<br />

search shall make a reasonable effort to provide the child with notice of the search,<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a list of the items seized, after the search is completed.<br />

(vi) The existence of reasonable suspicion to search shall be determ<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong><br />

accordance with constitutional search and seizure provisions as applied by judicial<br />

decision. In accordance with that case law, the follow<strong>in</strong>g factors, where applicable,<br />

may be taken <strong>in</strong>to account:<br />

(A)<br />

(B)<br />

(C)<br />

(D)<br />

(E)<br />

(F)<br />

(G)<br />

(H)<br />

the observations of officers.<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation provided by others.<br />

the activities of the child.<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation provided by the child.<br />

the experience of the probation officer with the child.<br />

the experience of probation officers <strong>in</strong> similar circumstances.<br />

the prior del<strong>in</strong>quent and supervisory history of the offender.<br />

the need to verify compliance with the conditions of supervision.<br />

(b) Foreign jurisdictions.--Any of the functions specified <strong>in</strong> subsection (a) may be<br />

performed <strong>in</strong> another jurisdiction if authorized by the court of this Commonwealth and<br />

permitted by the laws of the other jurisdiction.<br />

(c) Def<strong>in</strong>itions.--As used <strong>in</strong> this section, the follow<strong>in</strong>g words and phrases shall have<br />

the mean<strong>in</strong>gs given to them <strong>in</strong> this subsection:<br />

11


“Conditions of Supervision.” A term or condition of a child’s supervision, whether<br />

imposed by the court or a probation officer, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g compliance with all requirements of<br />

federal, state and local law.<br />

“Contraband.” An item that a child is not permitted to possess under the conditions of<br />

supervision, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g an item whose possession is forbidden by any federal, state or local<br />

law.<br />

“Court.”<br />

The Court of Common Pleas or a judge thereof.<br />

“Exigent Circumstances.” The term <strong>in</strong>cludes, but is not limited to, reasonable<br />

suspicion that contraband or other evidence of violations of the conditions of supervision<br />

might be destroyed or suspicion that a weapon might be used.<br />

“Personal Search.” A warrantless search of a child’s person, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g, but not<br />

limited to, the child’s cloth<strong>in</strong>g and any personal property which is <strong>in</strong> the possession, with<strong>in</strong><br />

the reach or under the control of the child.<br />

“Probation Officer.” A probation officer appo<strong>in</strong>ted or employed by a court or by a<br />

county probation department.<br />

“Property search.” A warrantless search of real property, vehicle or personal<br />

property which is <strong>in</strong> the possession or under the control of a child.<br />

“Supervisor.”<br />

An <strong>in</strong>dividual act<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a supervisory or adm<strong>in</strong>istrative capacity.<br />

Cross References. Section 6304 is referred to <strong>in</strong> section 6375 of Title 23 (Domestic<br />

Relations).<br />

§6304.1. Summary offenses<br />

(a) Review.--Upon notice be<strong>in</strong>g certified to the court that a child has failed to comply<br />

with a lawful sentence imposed for a summary offense, a probation officer shall review the<br />

compla<strong>in</strong>ts and charges of del<strong>in</strong>quency pursuant to section 6304 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to powers and<br />

duties of probation officers) for the purpose of consider<strong>in</strong>g the commencement of<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>gs under this chapter.<br />

(b) Adm<strong>in</strong>istration of money.--Any money subsequently paid by the child pursuant<br />

to the disposition of the charges shall be adm<strong>in</strong>istered and disbursed <strong>in</strong> accordance with<br />

written guidel<strong>in</strong>es adopted by the president judge of the court of common pleas. The court<br />

may direct that any portion of the money received from the child shall be deposited <strong>in</strong>to a<br />

restitution fund established by the president judge of the court of common pleas pursuant to<br />

section 6352(a)(5) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to disposition of del<strong>in</strong>quent child).<br />

12


§6305. Masters<br />

(a) General rule.--The govern<strong>in</strong>g authority may promulgate rules for the selection and<br />

appo<strong>in</strong>tment of masters on a full-time or part-time basis. A master shall be a member of<br />

the bar of this Commonwealth. The number and compensation of masters shall be fixed by<br />

the govern<strong>in</strong>g authority, and their compensation shall be paid by the county.<br />

(b) Hear<strong>in</strong>gs before masters.--The court of common pleas may direct that hear<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

<strong>in</strong> any case or class of cases be conducted <strong>in</strong> the first <strong>in</strong>stance by the master <strong>in</strong> the manner<br />

provided <strong>in</strong> this chapter. Before commenc<strong>in</strong>g the hear<strong>in</strong>g the master shall <strong>in</strong>form the<br />

parties who have appeared that they are entitled to have the matter heard by a judge. If a<br />

party objects, the hear<strong>in</strong>g shall be conducted by a judge.<br />

Suspended <strong>in</strong> Part<br />

This subsection is suspended by Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 800(6) only <strong>in</strong>sofar<br />

as it is <strong>in</strong>consistent with Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 187, which allows masters to hear<br />

only specific classes of cases.<br />

(c) Recommendations of masters.--Upon the conclusion of a hear<strong>in</strong>g before a<br />

master, he shall transmit written f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs and recommendations for disposition to the judge.<br />

Prompt written notice and copies of the f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs and recommendations shall be given to<br />

the parties to the proceed<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

(d) Rehear<strong>in</strong>g before judge.--A rehear<strong>in</strong>g before the judge may be ordered by the<br />

judge at any time upon cause shown. Unless a rehear<strong>in</strong>g is ordered, the f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs and<br />

recommendations become the f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs and order of the court when confirmed <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g by<br />

the judge.<br />

§6306. Costs and expenses of care of child<br />

The costs and expenses of the care of the child shall be paid as provided by sections<br />

704.1 and 704.2 of the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L. 31, No. 21), known as the “Public Welfare<br />

Code.”<br />

§6307. Inspection of court files and records<br />

(a) General Rule.--All files and records of the court <strong>in</strong> a proceed<strong>in</strong>g under this chapter<br />

are open to <strong>in</strong>spection only by:<br />

(1) The judges, officers and professional staff of the court.<br />

(2) The parties to the proceed<strong>in</strong>g and their counsel and representatives, but the<br />

persons <strong>in</strong> this category shall not be permitted to see reports reveal<strong>in</strong>g the names of<br />

confidential sources of <strong>in</strong>formation conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> social reports, except at the discretion of<br />

the court.<br />

13


(3) A public or private agency or <strong>in</strong>stitution provid<strong>in</strong>g supervision or hav<strong>in</strong>g custody<br />

of the child under order of the court.<br />

(4) A court and its probation and other officials or professional staff and the<br />

attorney for the defendant for use <strong>in</strong> prepar<strong>in</strong>g a presentence report <strong>in</strong> a crim<strong>in</strong>al case <strong>in</strong><br />

which the defendant is convicted and who prior thereto had been a party to a proceed<strong>in</strong>g<br />

under this chapter.<br />

(5) A judge or issu<strong>in</strong>g authority for use <strong>in</strong> determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g bail, provided that such<br />

<strong>in</strong>spection is limited to orders of del<strong>in</strong>quency adjudications and dispositions and petitions<br />

relat<strong>in</strong>g thereto, orders result<strong>in</strong>g from disposition review hear<strong>in</strong>gs and histories of bench<br />

warrants and escapes.<br />

(6) The Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative Office of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Courts.<br />

(6.1) The judges, officers and professional staff of courts of other jurisdictions when<br />

necessary for the discharge of their official duties.<br />

(6.2) Officials of the Department of Corrections or a state correctional <strong>in</strong>stitution or<br />

other penal <strong>in</strong>stitution to which an <strong>in</strong>dividual who was previously adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent<br />

<strong>in</strong> a proceed<strong>in</strong>g under this chapter has been committed, but the persons <strong>in</strong> this category<br />

shall not be permitted to see reports reveal<strong>in</strong>g the names of confidential sources of<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> social reports, except at the discretion of the court.<br />

(6.3) A parole board, court or county probation official <strong>in</strong> consider<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>dividual’s<br />

parole or <strong>in</strong> exercis<strong>in</strong>g supervision over any <strong>in</strong>dividual who was previously adjudicated<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quent <strong>in</strong> a proceed<strong>in</strong>g under this chapter, but the persons <strong>in</strong> this category shall not<br />

be permitted to see reports reveal<strong>in</strong>g the names of confidential sources of <strong>in</strong>formation<br />

conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> social reports, except at the discretion of the court.<br />

(6.4) The Board for use <strong>in</strong> complet<strong>in</strong>g assessments.<br />

(7) With leave of court, any other person or agency or <strong>in</strong>stitution hav<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

legitimate <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> the proceed<strong>in</strong>gs or <strong>in</strong> the work of the unified judicial system.<br />

(b)<br />

Public availability.--<br />

(1) The contents of court records and files concern<strong>in</strong>g a child shall not be disclosed<br />

to the public unless any of the follow<strong>in</strong>g apply:<br />

(i) The child has been adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent by a court as a result of an act or<br />

acts committed:<br />

(A) When the child was 14 years of age or older and the conduct would be<br />

considered a felony if committed by an adult; or<br />

14


(B) When the child was 12 or 13 years of age and the conduct would have<br />

constituted one or more of the follow<strong>in</strong>g offenses if committed by an adult:<br />

(I)<br />

(II)<br />

Murder.<br />

Voluntary manslaughter.<br />

(III) Aggravated assault as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §2702(a)(1) or (2)<br />

(relat<strong>in</strong>g to aggravated assault).<br />

(IV) Arson as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3301(a)(1) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to arson and<br />

related offenses).<br />

(V)<br />

Involuntary deviate sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse.<br />

(VI) Kidnapp<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

(VII) Rape.<br />

(VIII) Robbery as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3701(a)(1)(i), (ii) or (iii) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

robbery).<br />

(IX) Robbery of motor vehicle.<br />

(X) Attempt or conspiracy to commit any of the offenses <strong>in</strong> this<br />

subparagraph.<br />

(ii) A petition alleg<strong>in</strong>g del<strong>in</strong>quency has been filed alleg<strong>in</strong>g that the child has<br />

committed an act or acts subject to a hear<strong>in</strong>g pursuant to section 6336(e) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

conduct of hear<strong>in</strong>gs) and the child previously has been adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent by a<br />

court as a result of an act or acts committed:<br />

(A) When the child was 14 years of age or older and the conduct would be<br />

considered a felony if committed by an adult; or<br />

(B) When the child was 12 or 13 years of age and the conduct would have<br />

constituted one or more of the follow<strong>in</strong>g offenses if committed by an adult:<br />

(I)<br />

(II)<br />

Murder.<br />

Voluntary manslaughter.<br />

(III) Aggravated assault as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §2702(a)(1) or (2).<br />

15


(IV) Arson as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3301(a)(1).<br />

(V)<br />

Involuntary deviate sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse.<br />

(VI) Kidnapp<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

(VII) Rape.<br />

(VIII) Robbery as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3701(a)(1)(i), (ii) or (iii).<br />

(IX) Robbery of motor vehicle.<br />

(X) Attempt or conspiracy to commit any of the offenses <strong>in</strong> this<br />

subparagraph.<br />

(2) If the conduct of the child meets the requirements for disclosure as set forth <strong>in</strong><br />

paragraph (1), then the court shall disclose the name, age and address of the child, the<br />

offenses charged and the disposition of the case. The judge who adjudicates a child<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quent shall specify the particular offenses and counts thereof which the child is<br />

found to have committed and such <strong>in</strong>formation shall be <strong>in</strong>serted on any court or law<br />

enforcement records or files disclosed to the public as provided for <strong>in</strong> this section or <strong>in</strong><br />

section 6308(b)(2) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to law enforcement records).<br />

§6308. Law enforcement records<br />

(a) General rule.--Law enforcement records and files concern<strong>in</strong>g a child shall be kept<br />

separate from the records and files of arrests of adults. Unless a charge of del<strong>in</strong>quency is<br />

transferred for crim<strong>in</strong>al prosecution under section 6355 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to transfer to crim<strong>in</strong>al<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>gs), the <strong>in</strong>terest of national security requires, or the court otherwise orders <strong>in</strong> the<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest of the child, the records and files shall not be open to public <strong>in</strong>spection or their<br />

contents disclosed to the public except as provided <strong>in</strong> subsection (b); but <strong>in</strong>spection of the<br />

records and files is permitted by:<br />

(1) The court hav<strong>in</strong>g the child before it <strong>in</strong> any proceed<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

(2) Counsel for a party to the proceed<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

(3) The officers of <strong>in</strong>stitutions or agencies to whom the child is committed.<br />

(4) Law enforcement officers of other jurisdictions when necessary for the<br />

discharge of their official duties.<br />

(5) A court <strong>in</strong> which the child is convicted of a crim<strong>in</strong>al offense for the purpose of a<br />

presentence report or other dispositional proceed<strong>in</strong>g, or by officials of penal <strong>in</strong>stitutions<br />

and other penal facilities to which he is committed, or by a parole board <strong>in</strong> consider<strong>in</strong>g<br />

his parole or discharge or <strong>in</strong> exercis<strong>in</strong>g supervision over him.<br />

16


(b)<br />

Public availability.--<br />

(1) The contents of law enforcement records and files concern<strong>in</strong>g a child shall not<br />

be disclosed to the public unless any of the follow<strong>in</strong>g apply:<br />

(i) The child has been adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent by a court as a result of an act or<br />

acts committed:<br />

(A) When the child was 14 years of age or older and the conduct would be<br />

considered a felony if committed by an adult; or<br />

(B) When the child was 12 or 13 years of age and the conduct would have<br />

constituted one or more of the follow<strong>in</strong>g offenses if committed by an adult:<br />

(I)<br />

(II)<br />

Murder.<br />

Voluntary manslaughter.<br />

(III) Aggravated assault as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §2702(a)(1) or (2)<br />

(relat<strong>in</strong>g to aggravated assault).<br />

(IV) Arson as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3301(a)(1) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to arson and<br />

related offenses).<br />

(V)<br />

Involuntary deviate sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse.<br />

(VI) Kidnapp<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

(VII) Rape.<br />

(VIII) Robbery as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3701(a)(1)(i), (ii) or (iii) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

robbery).<br />

(IX) Robbery of motor vehicle.<br />

(X) Attempt or conspiracy to commit any of the offenses <strong>in</strong> this<br />

subparagraph.<br />

(ii) A petition alleg<strong>in</strong>g del<strong>in</strong>quency has been filed alleg<strong>in</strong>g that the child has<br />

committed an act or acts subject to a hear<strong>in</strong>g pursuant to section 6336(e) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

conduct of hear<strong>in</strong>gs) and the child previously has been adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent by a<br />

court as a result of an act or acts committed:<br />

(A) When the child was 14 years of age or older and the conduct would be<br />

considered a felony if committed by an adult; or<br />

17


(B) When the child was 12 or 13 years of age and the conduct would have<br />

constituted one or more of the follow<strong>in</strong>g offenses if committed by an adult:<br />

(I)<br />

(II)<br />

Murder.<br />

Voluntary manslaughter.<br />

(III) Aggravated assault as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §2702(a)(1) or (2).<br />

(IV) Arson as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3301(a)(1).<br />

(V)<br />

Involuntary deviate sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse.<br />

(VI) Kidnapp<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

(VII) Rape.<br />

(VIII) Robbery as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3701(a)(1)(i), (ii) or (iii).<br />

(IX) Robbery of motor vehicle.<br />

(X) Attempt or conspiracy to commit any of the offenses <strong>in</strong> this<br />

subparagraph.<br />

(2) If the conduct of the child meets the requirements for disclosure as set forth <strong>in</strong><br />

paragraph (1), then the law enforcement agency shall disclose the name, age and<br />

address of the child, the offenses charged and the disposition of the case.<br />

(c)<br />

F<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>ts and photographs.--<br />

(1) Law enforcement officers shall have the authority to take or cause to be taken<br />

the f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>ts or photographs, or both, of any child who is alleged to have committed<br />

an act designated as a misdemeanor or felony under the laws of this Commonwealth or<br />

of another state if the act occurred <strong>in</strong> that state or under Federal law. If a child is found<br />

to be a del<strong>in</strong>quent child pursuant to section 6341 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to adjudication) on the basis<br />

of an act designated as a misdemeanor or felony or the child's case is transferred for<br />

crim<strong>in</strong>al prosecution pursuant to section 6355, the law enforcement agency that alleged<br />

the child to be a del<strong>in</strong>quent child shall take or cause to be taken the f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>ts and<br />

photographs of the child, if not previously taken pursuant to this case, and ensure that<br />

these records are forwarded to the central repository pursuant to section 6309(c)<br />

(relat<strong>in</strong>g to juvenile history record <strong>in</strong>formation). If a child was alleged to be del<strong>in</strong>quent by<br />

other than a law enforcement agency, the court shall direct the juvenile probation<br />

department to ensure that the del<strong>in</strong>quent child's f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>ts and photographs are taken<br />

by a law enforcement agency.<br />

18


(2) F<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t and photographic records may be dissem<strong>in</strong>ated to law enforcement<br />

officers of other jurisdictions, the <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> State Police and the Federal Bureau of<br />

Investigation and may be used for <strong>in</strong>vestigative purposes.<br />

(3) F<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>ts and photographic records of children shall be kept separately from<br />

adults and shall be immediately destroyed upon notice of the court as provided under<br />

section 6341(a) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to adjudication) by all persons and agencies hav<strong>in</strong>g these<br />

records if the child is not adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent or not found guilty <strong>in</strong> a crim<strong>in</strong>al<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>g for reason of the alleged acts.<br />

(d)<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong> State Police registry.--<br />

(1) The contents of law enforcement records and files concern<strong>in</strong>g a child shall not<br />

be disclosed to the public except if the child is 14 years of age or older at the time of the<br />

alleged conduct and if any of the follow<strong>in</strong>g apply:<br />

(i) The child has been adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent by a court as a result of any<br />

offense enumerated <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §6105 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to persons not to possess, use,<br />

manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms).<br />

(ii) A petition alleg<strong>in</strong>g del<strong>in</strong>quency has been filed by a law enforcement agency<br />

alleg<strong>in</strong>g that the child has committed any offense enumerated <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105<br />

and the child previously has been adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent by a court as a result of an<br />

act or acts which <strong>in</strong>cluded the elements of one of such crimes.<br />

Cross References. Section 6308 is referred to <strong>in</strong> section 6309 of this title; section 6111.1<br />

of Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses).<br />

§6309. <strong>Juvenile</strong> history record <strong>in</strong>formation<br />

(a) Applicability of Crim<strong>in</strong>al History Record Information Act.--Except for 18<br />

Pa.C.S. §§9105 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to other crim<strong>in</strong>al justice <strong>in</strong>formation), 9112(a) and (b) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

mandatory f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g), 9113 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to disposition report<strong>in</strong>g by crim<strong>in</strong>al justice<br />

agencies) and 9121(b) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to general regulations), the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g provisions of 18<br />

Pa.C.S. Ch. 91 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to crim<strong>in</strong>al history record <strong>in</strong>formation) shall apply to all alleged<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quents and adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quents whose f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>ts and photographs are taken<br />

pursuant to section 6308(c) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to law enforcement records) and to any juvenile justice<br />

agency which collects, ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>s, dissem<strong>in</strong>ates or receives juvenile history record<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation. The disclosure to the public of the contents of law enforcement records and<br />

files concern<strong>in</strong>g a child shall be governed by section 6308(b).<br />

(b) Central repository.--The <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> State Police shall establish a statewide<br />

central repository of f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>ts, photographs and juvenile history record <strong>in</strong>formation of<br />

alleged del<strong>in</strong>quents and adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quents whose f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>ts and photographs are<br />

taken pursuant to section 6308(c).<br />

19


(c) F<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>ts and photographs.--The arrest<strong>in</strong>g authority shall ensure that the<br />

f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>ts and photographs of alleged and adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quents whose f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>ts and<br />

photographs have been taken by the arrest<strong>in</strong>g authority pursuant to section 6308(c) are<br />

forwarded to the central repository as required by the <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> State Police.<br />

(d) Disposition report<strong>in</strong>g.--The division or judge of the court assigned to conduct<br />

juvenile hear<strong>in</strong>gs shall, with<strong>in</strong> seven days after disposition of a case where the child has<br />

been alleged to be del<strong>in</strong>quent, notify the arrest<strong>in</strong>g authority of the disposition of the case.<br />

In addition, it shall collect and submit to the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Judges’ Commission the<br />

disposition of cases where a child has been alleged to be del<strong>in</strong>quent, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

disposition of cases result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> adjudication of del<strong>in</strong>quency which shall be submitted for<br />

<strong>in</strong>clusion <strong>in</strong> the central repository with<strong>in</strong> 90 days of an adjudication of del<strong>in</strong>quency as<br />

required by the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Judges' Commission.<br />

(e) Def<strong>in</strong>itions.--As used <strong>in</strong> this section, the follow<strong>in</strong>g words and phrases shall have<br />

the mean<strong>in</strong>gs given to them <strong>in</strong> this subsection:<br />

“Crim<strong>in</strong>al history record <strong>in</strong>formation.” In addition to the mean<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S.<br />

§9102 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to def<strong>in</strong>itions), the term <strong>in</strong>cludes the mean<strong>in</strong>g of juvenile history record<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> this subsection.<br />

“<strong>Juvenile</strong> history record <strong>in</strong>formation.” Information collected pursuant to this<br />

section concern<strong>in</strong>g alleged del<strong>in</strong>quents and adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quents whose f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>ts and<br />

photographs are taken pursuant to section 6308(c) and aris<strong>in</strong>g from the fil<strong>in</strong>g of a petition of<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quency, consist<strong>in</strong>g of identifiable descriptions, dates and notations of arrests or other<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quency charges and any adjudication of del<strong>in</strong>quency or preadjudication disposition<br />

other than dismissal aris<strong>in</strong>g therefrom. This <strong>in</strong>formation shall also <strong>in</strong>clude the last known<br />

location and the juvenile court jurisdiction status of each adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent. <strong>Juvenile</strong><br />

history record <strong>in</strong>formation shall not <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>in</strong>telligence <strong>in</strong>formation, <strong>in</strong>vestigative<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation, treatment <strong>in</strong>formation, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g medical and psychiatric <strong>in</strong>formation, caution<br />

<strong>in</strong>dicator <strong>in</strong>formation, modus operandi <strong>in</strong>formation, wanted persons <strong>in</strong>formation, stolen<br />

property <strong>in</strong>formation, miss<strong>in</strong>g persons <strong>in</strong>formation, employment history <strong>in</strong>formation,<br />

personal history <strong>in</strong>formation or presentence <strong>in</strong>vestigation <strong>in</strong>formation.<br />

Cross References. Section 6309 is referred to <strong>in</strong> section 6308 of this title.<br />

§6310. Parental participation<br />

(a) General rule.--In any proceed<strong>in</strong>g under this chapter, a court may order a parent,<br />

guardian or custodian to participate <strong>in</strong> the treatment, supervision or rehabilitation of a child,<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g, but not limited to, community service, restitution, counsel<strong>in</strong>g, treatment and<br />

education programs.<br />

20


(b) Presence at proceed<strong>in</strong>gs.--The court may, when the court determ<strong>in</strong>es that it is <strong>in</strong><br />

the best <strong>in</strong>terests of the child, order a parent, guardian or custodian of a child to be present<br />

at and to br<strong>in</strong>g the child to any proceed<strong>in</strong>g under this chapter.<br />

(c) Contempt.--A person who, without good cause, fails to comply with an order<br />

issued under this section may be found <strong>in</strong> contempt of court. The court may issue a bench<br />

warrant for any parent, guardian or custodian who, without good cause, fails to appear at<br />

any proceed<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

(d) Intent.--The General Assembly hereby declares that every parent, guardian or<br />

custodian of a child who is the subject of a proceed<strong>in</strong>g under this chapter and a courtordered<br />

program under this chapter should attend the proceed<strong>in</strong>g and participate fully <strong>in</strong> the<br />

program.<br />

(e) Limitation.--Noth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> this section shall be construed to create a right of a child to<br />

have his parent, guardian or custodian present at a proceed<strong>in</strong>g under this chapter or<br />

participate <strong>in</strong> a court-ordered program.<br />

§6311. Guardian Ad Litem for child <strong>in</strong> court proceed<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

(a) Appo<strong>in</strong>tment.--When a proceed<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a master’s hear<strong>in</strong>g, has been<br />

<strong>in</strong>itiated alleg<strong>in</strong>g that the child is a dependent child under paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4) or (10)<br />

of the def<strong>in</strong>ition of “Dependent child” <strong>in</strong> section 6302 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to def<strong>in</strong>itions), the court shall<br />

appo<strong>in</strong>t a guardian ad litem to represent the legal <strong>in</strong>terests and the best <strong>in</strong>terests of the<br />

child. The guardian ad litem must be an attorney at law.<br />

(b) Powers and duties.--The guardian ad litem shall be charged with representation<br />

of the legal <strong>in</strong>terests and the best <strong>in</strong>terests of the child at every stage of the proceed<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

and shall do all of the follow<strong>in</strong>g:<br />

(1) Meet with the child, as soon as possible follow<strong>in</strong>g appo<strong>in</strong>tment pursuant to<br />

section 6337 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to right to counsel) and on a regular basis thereafter, <strong>in</strong> a manner<br />

appropriate to the child’s age and maturity.<br />

(2) On a timely basis, be given access to relevant court and county agency<br />

records; reports of exam<strong>in</strong>ation of the parents or other custodian of the child pursuant to<br />

this chapter; and medical, psychological and school records.<br />

(3) Participate <strong>in</strong> all proceed<strong>in</strong>gs, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g hear<strong>in</strong>gs before masters, and<br />

adm<strong>in</strong>istrative hear<strong>in</strong>gs and reviews to the degree necessary to adequately represent<br />

the child.<br />

(4) Conduct such further <strong>in</strong>vestigation necessary to ascerta<strong>in</strong> the facts.<br />

21


(5) Interview potential witnesses, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the child’s parents, caretakers and<br />

foster parents; exam<strong>in</strong>e and cross-exam<strong>in</strong>e witnesses; and present witnesses and<br />

evidence necessary to protect the best <strong>in</strong>terests of the child.<br />

(6) At the earliest possible date, be advised by the county agency hav<strong>in</strong>g legal<br />

custody of the child of:<br />

(i) any plan to relocate the child or modify custody or visitation arrangements,<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the reasons therefor, prior to the relocation or change <strong>in</strong> custody or<br />

visitation; and<br />

(ii) any proceed<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>vestigation or hear<strong>in</strong>g under 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

child protective services) or this chapter, directly affect<strong>in</strong>g the child.<br />

(7) Make specific recommendations to the court relat<strong>in</strong>g to the appropriateness<br />

and safety of the child’s placement and services necessary to address the child’s needs<br />

and safety.<br />

(8) Expla<strong>in</strong> the proceed<strong>in</strong>gs to the child, to the extent appropriate given the child’s<br />

age, mental condition and emotional condition.<br />

(9) Advise the court of the child’s wishes, to the extent that they can be<br />

ascerta<strong>in</strong>ed, and present to the court whatever evidence exists to support the child’s<br />

wishes. When appropriate because of the age or mental and emotional condition of the<br />

child, determ<strong>in</strong>e, to the fullest extent possible, the wishes of the child and communicate<br />

this <strong>in</strong>formation to the court. A difference between the child’s wishes under this<br />

paragraph and the recommendations under paragraph (7) shall not be considered a<br />

conflict of <strong>in</strong>terest for the guardian ad litem.<br />

22


SUBCHAPTER B<br />

JURISDICTION AND C<strong>US</strong>TODY<br />

Section<br />

6321. Commencement of proceed<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

6322. Transfer from crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

6323. Informal adjustment.<br />

6324. Tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to custody.<br />

6325. Detention of child.<br />

6326. Release or delivery to court.<br />

6327. Place of detention.<br />

§6321. Commencement of proceed<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

(a)<br />

General rule.--A proceed<strong>in</strong>g under this chapter may be commenced:<br />

(1) By transfer of a case as provided <strong>in</strong> section 6322 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to transfer from<br />

crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>gs).<br />

(2) By the court accept<strong>in</strong>g jurisdiction as provided <strong>in</strong> section 6362 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

disposition of resident child received from another state) or accept<strong>in</strong>g supervision of a<br />

child as provided <strong>in</strong> section 6364 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to supervision under foreign order).<br />

(2.1) By tak<strong>in</strong>g a child <strong>in</strong>to custody <strong>in</strong> accordance with the provisions of section 6324<br />

(relat<strong>in</strong>g to tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to custody).<br />

(3) In other cases by the fil<strong>in</strong>g of a petition as provided <strong>in</strong> this chapter. The petition<br />

and all other documents <strong>in</strong> the proceed<strong>in</strong>g shall be entitled “In the <strong>in</strong>terest of . . . . . . . . .<br />

. . . . ., a m<strong>in</strong>or,” and shall be captioned and docketed as provided by general rule.<br />

(b)<br />

Venue.--A proceed<strong>in</strong>g under this chapter may be commenced:<br />

(1) In the county <strong>in</strong> which the child resides.<br />

(2) If del<strong>in</strong>quency is alleged, <strong>in</strong> the county <strong>in</strong> which the acts constitut<strong>in</strong>g the alleged<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quency occurred.<br />

(3) If dependency is alleged, <strong>in</strong> the county <strong>in</strong> which the child is present when it is<br />

commenced.<br />

23


(c)<br />

Transfer to another court with<strong>in</strong> this Commonwealth.--<br />

(1) If the child resides <strong>in</strong> a county of this Commonwealth and the proceed<strong>in</strong>g is<br />

commenced <strong>in</strong> a court of another county, the court, on motion of a party or on its own<br />

motion made after the adjudicatory hear<strong>in</strong>g or at any time prior to f<strong>in</strong>al disposition, may<br />

transfer the proceed<strong>in</strong>g to the county of the residence of the child for further action. Like<br />

transfers may be made if the residence of the child changes dur<strong>in</strong>g the proceed<strong>in</strong>g. The<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>g may be transferred if the child has been adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent and other<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g the child are pend<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the court of the county of his residence.<br />

(2) Certified copies of all legal and social documents and records perta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to the<br />

case on file with the court shall accompany the transfer.<br />

Suspended <strong>in</strong> Part<br />

This section is suspended by Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 800(7) only <strong>in</strong>sofar as it<br />

is <strong>in</strong>consistent with Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 200, which provides that the submission<br />

of a written allegation shall commence a proceed<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

§6322. Transfer from crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

(a) General rule.--Except as provided <strong>in</strong> 75 Pa.C.S. §6303 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to rights and<br />

liabilities of m<strong>in</strong>ors) or <strong>in</strong> the event the child is charged with murder or any of the offenses<br />

excluded by paragraph (2)(ii) or (iii) of the def<strong>in</strong>ition of “del<strong>in</strong>quent act” <strong>in</strong> section 6302<br />

(relat<strong>in</strong>g to def<strong>in</strong>itions) or has been found guilty <strong>in</strong> a crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>g, if it appears to the<br />

court <strong>in</strong> a crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>g that the defendant is a child, this chapter shall immediately<br />

become applicable, and the court shall forthwith halt further crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>gs, and,<br />

where appropriate, transfer the case to the division or a judge of the court assigned to<br />

conduct juvenile hear<strong>in</strong>gs, together with a copy of the accusatory plead<strong>in</strong>g and other<br />

papers, documents, and transcripts of testimony relat<strong>in</strong>g to the case. If it appears to the<br />

court <strong>in</strong> a crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>g charg<strong>in</strong>g murder or any of the offenses excluded by<br />

paragraph (2)(ii) or (iii) of the def<strong>in</strong>ition of “del<strong>in</strong>quent act” <strong>in</strong> section 6302, that the<br />

defendant is a child, the case may similarly be transferred and the provisions of this chapter<br />

applied. In determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g whether to transfer a case charg<strong>in</strong>g murder or any of the offenses<br />

excluded from the def<strong>in</strong>ition of “del<strong>in</strong>quent act” <strong>in</strong> section 6302, the child shall be required<br />

to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the transfer will serve the public<br />

<strong>in</strong>terest. In determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g whether the child has so established that the transfer will serve the<br />

public <strong>in</strong>terest, the court shall consider the factors conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> section 6355(a)(4)(iii)<br />

(relat<strong>in</strong>g to transfer to crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>gs).<br />

(b) Order.--If the court f<strong>in</strong>ds that the child has met the burden under subsection (a),<br />

the court shall make f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs of fact, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g specific references to the evidence, and<br />

24


conclusions of law <strong>in</strong> support of the transfer order. If the court does not make its f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g<br />

with<strong>in</strong> 20 days of the hear<strong>in</strong>g on the petition to transfer the case, the defendant's petition to<br />

transfer the case shall be denied by operation of law.<br />

(c) Expedited review of transfer orders.--The transfer order shall be subject to the<br />

same expedited review applicable to orders grant<strong>in</strong>g or deny<strong>in</strong>g release or modify<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

conditions of release prior to sentence, as provided <strong>in</strong> Rule 1762 of the <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Rules<br />

of Appellate Procedure.<br />

(d) Effect of transfer order.--Where review of the transfer order is not sought or<br />

where the transfer order is upheld the defendant shall be taken forthwith to the probation<br />

officer or to a place of detention designated by the court or released to the custody of his<br />

parent, guardian, custodian, or other person legally responsible for him, to be brought<br />

before the court at a time to be designated. The accusatory plead<strong>in</strong>g may serve <strong>in</strong> lieu of a<br />

petition otherwise required by this chapter, unless the court directs the fil<strong>in</strong>g of a petition.<br />

(e) Transfer of convicted crim<strong>in</strong>al cases.--If <strong>in</strong> a crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>g, the child is<br />

found guilty of a crime classified as a misdemeanor, and the child and the attorney for the<br />

Commonwealth agree to the transfer, the case may be transferred for disposition to the<br />

division or a judge of the court assigned to conduct juvenile hear<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

Cross References. Section 6322 is referred to <strong>in</strong> section 6303, 6321, and 6355 of this title.<br />

§6323. Informal adjustment<br />

(a)<br />

General rule.--<br />

(1) Before a petition is filed, the probation officer or other officer of the court<br />

designated by it, subject to its direction, shall, <strong>in</strong> the case of a dependent child where the<br />

jurisdiction of the court is premised upon the provisions of paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), (5)<br />

or (7) of the def<strong>in</strong>ition of “dependent child” <strong>in</strong> section 6302 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to def<strong>in</strong>itions) and if<br />

otherwise appropriate, refer the child and his parents to any public or private social<br />

agency available for assist<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the matter. Upon referral, the agency shall <strong>in</strong>dicate its<br />

will<strong>in</strong>gness to accept the child and shall report back to the referr<strong>in</strong>g officer with<strong>in</strong> three<br />

months concern<strong>in</strong>g the status of the referral.<br />

(2) Similarly, the probation officer may <strong>in</strong> the case of a del<strong>in</strong>quent child, or a<br />

dependent child where the jurisdiction of the court is permitted under paragraph (6) of<br />

the def<strong>in</strong>ition of “dependent child” <strong>in</strong> section 6302, refer the child and his parents to an<br />

agency for assist<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the matter.<br />

(3) The agency may return the referral to the probation officer or other officer for<br />

further <strong>in</strong>formal adjustment if it is <strong>in</strong> the best <strong>in</strong>terests of the child.<br />

25


(b) Counsel and advice.--Such social agencies and the probation officer or other<br />

officer of the court may give counsel and advice to the parties with a view to an <strong>in</strong>formal<br />

adjustment if it appears:<br />

(1) counsel and advice without an adjudication would be <strong>in</strong> the best <strong>in</strong>terest of the<br />

public and the child;<br />

(2) the child and his parents, guardian, or other custodian consent thereto with<br />

knowledge that consent is not obligatory; and<br />

(3) <strong>in</strong> the case of the probation officer or other officer of the court, the admitted<br />

facts br<strong>in</strong>g the case with<strong>in</strong> the jurisdiction of the court.<br />

(c) Limitation on duration of counsel and advice.--The giv<strong>in</strong>g of counsel and<br />

advice by the probation or other officer of the court shall not extend beyond six months<br />

from the day commenced unless extended by an order of court for an additional period not<br />

to exceed three months.<br />

(d) No detention authorized.--Noth<strong>in</strong>g conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> this section shall authorize the<br />

detention of the child.<br />

(e) Privileged statements.--An <strong>in</strong>crim<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g statement made by a participant to the<br />

person giv<strong>in</strong>g counsel or advice and <strong>in</strong> the discussions or conferences <strong>in</strong>cident thereto shall<br />

not be used aga<strong>in</strong>st the declarant over objection <strong>in</strong> any crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>g or hear<strong>in</strong>g<br />

under this chapter.<br />

(f) Terms and conditions.--The terms and conditions of an <strong>in</strong>formal adjustment may<br />

<strong>in</strong>clude payment by the child of reasonable amounts of money as costs, fees or restitution,<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a supervision fee and contribution to a restitution fund established by the<br />

president judge of the court of common pleas pursuant to section 6352(a)(5) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

disposition of del<strong>in</strong>quent child).<br />

Cross References. Section 6323 is referred to <strong>in</strong> section 6302 of this title.<br />

§6324. Tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to custody<br />

A child may be taken <strong>in</strong>to custody:<br />

(1) Pursuant to an order of the court under this chapter. Prior to enter<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

protective custody order remov<strong>in</strong>g a child from the home of the parent, guardian or<br />

custodian, the court must determ<strong>in</strong>e that to allow the child to rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the home is<br />

contrary to the welfare of the child.<br />

26


(2) Pursuant to the laws of arrest.<br />

(3) By a law enforcement officer or duly authorized officer of the court if there are<br />

reasonable grounds to believe that the child is suffer<strong>in</strong>g from illness or <strong>in</strong>jury or is <strong>in</strong><br />

imm<strong>in</strong>ent danger from his surround<strong>in</strong>gs, and that his removal is necessary.<br />

(4) By a law enforcement officer or duly authorized officer of the court if there are<br />

reasonable grounds to believe that the child has run away from his parents, guardian, or<br />

other custodian.<br />

(5) By a law enforcement officer or duly authorized officer of the court if there are<br />

reasonable grounds to believe that the child has violated conditions of his probation.<br />

Cross References. Section 6324 is referred to <strong>in</strong> sections 6321, 6327 of this title; section<br />

6315 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations).<br />

§6325. Detention of child<br />

A child taken <strong>in</strong>to custody shall not be deta<strong>in</strong>ed or placed <strong>in</strong> shelter care prior to the<br />

hear<strong>in</strong>g on the petition unless his detention or care is required to protect the person or<br />

property of others or of the child or because the child may abscond or be removed from the<br />

jurisdiction of the court or because he has no parent, guardian, or custodian or other<br />

person able to provide supervision and care for him and return him to the court when<br />

required, or an order for his detention or shelter care has been made by the court pursuant<br />

to this chapter.<br />

Cross References. Section 6325 is referred to <strong>in</strong> sections 6326, 6331, and 6332 of this<br />

title.<br />

§6326. Release or delivery to court<br />

(a) General rule.--A person tak<strong>in</strong>g a child <strong>in</strong>to custody, with all reasonable speed<br />

and without first tak<strong>in</strong>g the child elsewhere, shall:<br />

(1) notify the parent, guardian or other custodian of the apprehension of the child<br />

and his whereabouts;<br />

(2) release the child to his parents, guardian, or other custodian upon their promise<br />

to br<strong>in</strong>g the child before the court when requested by the court, unless his detention or<br />

shelter care is warranted or required under section 6325 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to detention of child);<br />

or<br />

27


(3) br<strong>in</strong>g the child before the court or deliver him to a detention or shelter care<br />

facility designated by the court or to a medical facility if the child is believed to suffer<br />

from a serious physical condition or illness which requires prompt treatment. He shall<br />

promptly give written notice, together with a statement of the reason for tak<strong>in</strong>g the child<br />

<strong>in</strong>to custody, to a parent, guardian, or other custodian and to the court.<br />

Any temporary detention or question<strong>in</strong>g of the child necessary to comply with this<br />

subsection shall conform to the procedures and conditions prescribed by this chapter and<br />

other provisions of law.<br />

(b) Detention <strong>in</strong> police lockup generally prohibited.--Unless a child taken <strong>in</strong>to<br />

custody is alleged to have committed a crime or summary offense or to be <strong>in</strong> violation of<br />

conditions of probation or other supervision follow<strong>in</strong>g an adjudication of del<strong>in</strong>quency, the<br />

child may not be deta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> a municipal police lockup or cell or otherwise held securely<br />

with<strong>in</strong> a law enforcement facility or structure which houses an adult lockup. A child shall be<br />

deemed to be held securely only when physically deta<strong>in</strong>ed or conf<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> a locked room or<br />

cell or when secured to a cuff<strong>in</strong>g rail or other stationary object with<strong>in</strong> the facility.<br />

(c) Detention <strong>in</strong> police lockup under certa<strong>in</strong> circumstances.--A child alleged to<br />

have committed a crime or summary offense or to be <strong>in</strong> violation of conditions of probation<br />

or other supervision follow<strong>in</strong>g an adjudication of del<strong>in</strong>quency may be held securely <strong>in</strong> a<br />

municipal police lockup or other facility which houses an adult lockup only under the<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g conditions:<br />

(1) The secure hold<strong>in</strong>g shall only be for the purpose of identification, <strong>in</strong>vestigation,<br />

process<strong>in</strong>g, releas<strong>in</strong>g or transferr<strong>in</strong>g the child to a parent, guardian, other custodian, or<br />

juvenile court or county children and youth official, or to a shelter care or juvenile<br />

detention center;<br />

(2) The secure hold<strong>in</strong>g shall be limited to the m<strong>in</strong>imum time necessary to complete<br />

the procedures listed <strong>in</strong> paragraph (1), but <strong>in</strong> no case may such hold<strong>in</strong>g exceed six<br />

hours; and<br />

(3) If so held, a child must be separated by sight and sound from <strong>in</strong>carcerated adult<br />

offenders and must be under the cont<strong>in</strong>uous visual supervision of law enforcement<br />

officials or facility staff.<br />

(d) Conditions of detention.--Notwithstand<strong>in</strong>g other provisions of law, a child held <strong>in</strong><br />

nonsecure custody <strong>in</strong> a build<strong>in</strong>g or facility which houses an adult lockup may be so held<br />

only under the follow<strong>in</strong>g conditions:<br />

(1) The area where the child is held is an unlocked multipurpose area which is not<br />

designated or used as a secure detention area or is not part of a secure detention area;<br />

or, if the area is a secure book<strong>in</strong>g or similar area, it is used only for process<strong>in</strong>g<br />

purposes;<br />

28


(2) The child is not physically secured to a cuff<strong>in</strong>g rail or other stationary object<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g the period of custody <strong>in</strong> the facility;<br />

(3) The area is limited to provid<strong>in</strong>g nonsecure custody only long enough for the<br />

purposes of identification, <strong>in</strong>vestigation, process<strong>in</strong>g or release to parents or for arrang<strong>in</strong>g<br />

transfer to another agency or appropriate facility; and<br />

(4) The child must be under cont<strong>in</strong>uous visual supervision by a law enforcement<br />

officer or other facility staff dur<strong>in</strong>g the period of nonsecure custody.<br />

(e) Reports regard<strong>in</strong>g children held <strong>in</strong> custody.--Law enforcement agencies shall<br />

provide <strong>in</strong>formation and reports regard<strong>in</strong>g children held <strong>in</strong> secure and nonsecure custody<br />

under subsections (c) and (d) as requested by the <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Commission on Crime and<br />

Del<strong>in</strong>quency.<br />

(f) Enforcement of undertak<strong>in</strong>g to produce child.--If a parent, guardian, or other<br />

custodian, when requested, fails to br<strong>in</strong>g the child before the court as provided <strong>in</strong><br />

subsection (a), the court may issue its warrant direct<strong>in</strong>g that the child be taken <strong>in</strong>to custody<br />

and brought before the court.<br />

§6327. Place of detention<br />

(a)<br />

General rule.--A child alleged to be del<strong>in</strong>quent may be deta<strong>in</strong>ed only <strong>in</strong>:<br />

(1) a licensed foster home or a home approved by the court.<br />

(2) a facility operated by a licensed child welfare agency or one approved by the<br />

court.<br />

(3) a detention home, camp, center or other facility for del<strong>in</strong>quent children which is<br />

under the direction or supervision of the court or other public authority or private agency,<br />

and is approved by the Department of Public Welfare.<br />

(4) any other suitable place or facility, designated or operated by the court and<br />

approved by the Department of Public Welfare.<br />

Under no circumstances shall a child be deta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> any facility with adults, or where the<br />

child is apt to be abused by other children.<br />

(b) Report by correctional officer of receipt of child.--The official <strong>in</strong> charge of a jail<br />

or other facility for the detention of adult offenders or persons charged with crime shall<br />

<strong>in</strong>form the court immediately if a person who is or appears to be under the age of 18 years<br />

is received at the facility and shall br<strong>in</strong>g him before the court upon request or deliver him to<br />

a detention or shelter care facility designated by the court.<br />

29


(c) Detention <strong>in</strong> jail prohibited.--It is unlawful for any person <strong>in</strong> charge of or<br />

employed by a jail know<strong>in</strong>gly to receive for detention or to deta<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the jail any person<br />

whom he has or should have reason to believe is a child unless, <strong>in</strong> a crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

the child has been charged with or has been found guilty of an act set forth <strong>in</strong> paragraph<br />

(2)(i), (ii), (iii) or (v) of the def<strong>in</strong>ition of "del<strong>in</strong>quent act" <strong>in</strong> section 6302 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

def<strong>in</strong>itions).<br />

(d) Transfer of child subject to crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>gs.--If a case is transferred for<br />

crim<strong>in</strong>al prosecution the child may be transferred to the appropriate officer or detention<br />

facility <strong>in</strong> accordance with the law govern<strong>in</strong>g the detention of persons charged with crime.<br />

The court <strong>in</strong> mak<strong>in</strong>g the transfer may order cont<strong>in</strong>ued detention as a juvenile pend<strong>in</strong>g trial if<br />

the child is unable to provide bail.<br />

(e) Detention of dependent child.--A child alleged to be dependent may be deta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

or placed only <strong>in</strong> a Department of Public Welfare approved shelter care facility as stated <strong>in</strong><br />

subsection (a)(1), (2) and (4), and shall not be deta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> a jail or other facility <strong>in</strong>tended or<br />

used for the detention of adults charged with crim<strong>in</strong>al offenses, but may be deta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the<br />

same shelter care facilities with alleged or adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent children.<br />

(f) Development of approved shelter care programs.--The Department of Public<br />

Welfare shall develop or assist <strong>in</strong> the development <strong>in</strong> each county of this Commonwealth<br />

approved programs for the provision of shelter care for children need<strong>in</strong>g these services who<br />

have been taken <strong>in</strong>to custody under section 6324 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to custody) and for<br />

children referred to or under the jurisdiction of the court.<br />

30


SUBCHAPTER C<br />

PROCEDURES AND SAFEGUARDS<br />

Section<br />

6331. Release from detention or commencement<br />

of proceed<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

6332. Informal hear<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

6333. Subpoena.<br />

6334. Petition.<br />

6335. Release or hold<strong>in</strong>g of hear<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

6336. Conduct of hear<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

6336.1 Notice and hear<strong>in</strong>g<br />

6337. Right to counsel.<br />

6338. Other basic rights.<br />

6339. Investigation and report.<br />

6340. Consent decree.<br />

6341. Adjudication.<br />

6342. Court-appo<strong>in</strong>ted special advocates.<br />

§6331. Release from detention or commencement of proceed<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

If a child is brought before the court or delivered to a detention or shelter care facility<br />

designated by the court, the <strong>in</strong>take or other authorized officer of the court shall immediately<br />

make an <strong>in</strong>vestigation and release the child unless it appears that his detention or shelter<br />

care is warranted or required under section 6325 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to detention of child). The<br />

release of the child shall not prevent the subsequent fil<strong>in</strong>g of a petition as provided <strong>in</strong> this<br />

chapter. If he is not so released, a petition shall be promptly made and presented to the<br />

court with<strong>in</strong> 24 hours or the next court bus<strong>in</strong>ess day of the admission of the child to<br />

detention or shelter care.<br />

Suspended <strong>in</strong> Part<br />

This section is suspended by Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 800(11) only <strong>in</strong>sofar as it<br />

is <strong>in</strong>consistent with Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 242, which provides for the fil<strong>in</strong>g of a<br />

petition with<strong>in</strong> twenty-four hours or the next bus<strong>in</strong>ess day from the detention<br />

hear<strong>in</strong>g if the juvenile is deta<strong>in</strong>ed under Rule 242.<br />

§6332. Informal hear<strong>in</strong>g<br />

(a) General rule.--An <strong>in</strong>formal hear<strong>in</strong>g shall be held promptly by the court or master<br />

and not later than 72 hours after the child is placed <strong>in</strong> detention or shelter care to determ<strong>in</strong>e<br />

whether his detention or shelter care is required under section 6325 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to detention of<br />

child), whether to allow the child to rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the home would be contrary to the welfare of<br />

the child, and if the child is alleged to be del<strong>in</strong>quent, whether probable cause exists that the<br />

31


child has committed a del<strong>in</strong>quent act. Reasonable notice thereof, either oral or written,<br />

stat<strong>in</strong>g the time, place, and purpose of the hear<strong>in</strong>g shall be given to the child and if they<br />

can be found, to his parents, guardian, or other custodian. Prior to the commencement of<br />

the hear<strong>in</strong>g the court or master shall <strong>in</strong>form the parties of their right to counsel and to<br />

appo<strong>in</strong>ted counsel if they are needy persons, and of the right of the child to rema<strong>in</strong> silent<br />

with respect to any allegations of del<strong>in</strong>quency. If the child is alleged to be a dependent<br />

child, the court or master shall also determ<strong>in</strong>e whether reasonable efforts were made to<br />

prevent such placement or, <strong>in</strong> the case of an emergency placement where services were<br />

not offered and could not have prevented the necessity of placement, whether this level of<br />

effort was reasonable due to the emergency nature of the situation, safety considerations<br />

and circumstances of the family.<br />

(b) Rehear<strong>in</strong>g.--If the child is not so released and a parent, guardian or other<br />

custodian has not been notified of the hear<strong>in</strong>g, did not appear or waive appearance at the<br />

hear<strong>in</strong>g, and files his affidavit show<strong>in</strong>g these facts, the court or master shall rehear the<br />

matter without unnecessary delay and order release of the child, unless it appears from the<br />

hear<strong>in</strong>g that his detention or shelter care is required under section 6325.<br />

Cross References. Section 6332 is referred to <strong>in</strong> section 6351 of this title; section 6315 of<br />

Title 23 (Domestic Relations).<br />

§6333. Subpoena<br />

Upon application of a child, parent, guardian, custodian, probation officer, district<br />

attorney, or other party to the proceed<strong>in</strong>gs, the court, master, or the clerk of the court shall<br />

issue, or the court or master may on its own motion issue, subpoenas requir<strong>in</strong>g attendance<br />

and testimony of witnesses and production of papers at any hear<strong>in</strong>g under this chapter.<br />

§6334. Petition<br />

(a) Contents of petition.--A petition, which shall be verified and may be on<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation and belief, may be brought by any person <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a law enforcement officer.<br />

It shall set forth pla<strong>in</strong>ly:<br />

(1) the facts which br<strong>in</strong>g the child with<strong>in</strong> the jurisdiction of the court and this<br />

chapter, with a statement that it is <strong>in</strong> the best <strong>in</strong>terest of the child and the public that the<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>g be brought and, if del<strong>in</strong>quency is alleged, that the child is <strong>in</strong> need of<br />

treatment, supervision or rehabilitation.<br />

(2) the name, age, and residence address, if any, of the child on whose behalf the<br />

petition is brought.<br />

(3) the names and residence addresses, if known to the petitioner, of the parents,<br />

guardian, or custodian of the child and of the spouse, if any, of the child. If none of his<br />

parents, guardian, or custodian resides or can be found with<strong>in</strong> this Commonwealth, or if<br />

32


their respective places of residence address are unknown, the name of any known adult<br />

relative resid<strong>in</strong>g with<strong>in</strong> the county, or if there be none, the known adult relative resid<strong>in</strong>g<br />

nearest to the location of the court.<br />

(4) if the child is <strong>in</strong> custody and, if so, the place of his detention and the time he<br />

was taken <strong>in</strong>to custody.<br />

(b)<br />

Aggravated circumstances.--<br />

(1) An allegation that aggravated circumstances exist may be brought:<br />

(i) <strong>in</strong> a petition for dependency with regard to a child who is alleged to be a<br />

dependent child; or<br />

(ii) <strong>in</strong> a petition for a permanency hear<strong>in</strong>g with regard to a child who has been<br />

determ<strong>in</strong>ed to be a dependent child.<br />

(2) The existence of aggravated circumstances may be alleged by the county<br />

agency or the child's attorney. If the county agency reasonably believes that aggravated<br />

circumstances exist, it shall file the appropriate petition as soon as possible, but no later<br />

than 21 days from the determ<strong>in</strong>ation by the county agency that aggravated<br />

circumstances exist.<br />

(3) A petition for dependency or a permanency hear<strong>in</strong>g that alleges aggravated<br />

circumstances shall <strong>in</strong>clude a statement of the facts the county agency or the child's<br />

attorney <strong>in</strong>tends to prove to support the allegation. A crim<strong>in</strong>al conviction shall not be<br />

required to allege the existence of aggravated physical neglect or physical abuse<br />

result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> serious bodily <strong>in</strong>jury or sexual violence committed by the parent.<br />

Suspended <strong>in</strong> Part<br />

This section is suspended by Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 800(9) only <strong>in</strong>sofar as it<br />

is <strong>in</strong>consistent with Pa.R.J.C.P. Rules 231, 233, and 330, which provide for a<br />

person other than a law enforcement officer to submit a private written<br />

allegation to the juvenile probation office or an attorney for the<br />

Commonwealth, if elected for approval; and that only a juvenile probation<br />

officer or attorney for the Commonwealth may file a petition.<br />

Cross References. Section 6334 is referred to <strong>in</strong> section 6351 of this title.<br />

§6335. Release or hold<strong>in</strong>g of hear<strong>in</strong>g<br />

(a) General rule.--After the petition has been filed alleg<strong>in</strong>g the child to be dependent<br />

or del<strong>in</strong>quent, the court shall fix a time for hear<strong>in</strong>g thereon, which, if the child is <strong>in</strong> detention<br />

or shelter care shall not be later than ten days after the fil<strong>in</strong>g of the petition. Except as<br />

33


provided <strong>in</strong> subsection (f), if the hear<strong>in</strong>g is not held with<strong>in</strong> such time, the child shall be<br />

immediately released from detention or shelter care. A child may be deta<strong>in</strong>ed or kept <strong>in</strong><br />

shelter care for an additional s<strong>in</strong>gle period not to exceed ten days where:<br />

(1) the court determ<strong>in</strong>es at a hear<strong>in</strong>g that:<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

evidence material to the case is unavailable;<br />

due diligence to obta<strong>in</strong> such evidence has been exercised; and<br />

(iii) there are reasonable grounds to believe that such evidence will be available<br />

at a later date; and<br />

(2) the court f<strong>in</strong>ds by clear and conv<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>g evidence that:<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

(iii)<br />

the life of the child would be <strong>in</strong> danger;<br />

the community would be exposed to a specific danger; or<br />

the child will abscond or be removed from the jurisdiction of the court.<br />

The court shall direct the issuance of a summons to the parents, guardian, or other<br />

custodian, a guardian ad litem, and any other persons as appear to the court to be proper<br />

or necessary parties to the proceed<strong>in</strong>g, requir<strong>in</strong>g them to appear before the court at the<br />

time fixed to answer the allegations of the petition. The summons shall also be directed to<br />

the child if he is 14 or more years of age or is alleged to be a del<strong>in</strong>quent. A copy of the<br />

petition shall accompany the summons.<br />

(b)<br />

Personal appearance.--The court may endorse upon the summons an order:<br />

(1) direct<strong>in</strong>g the parents, guardian, or other custodian of the child to appear<br />

personally at the hear<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

(2) direct<strong>in</strong>g the person hav<strong>in</strong>g the physical custody or control of the child to br<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the child to the hear<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

(c) Warrant of arrest.--If it appears from affidavit filed or from sworn testimony before<br />

the court that the conduct, condition, or surround<strong>in</strong>gs of the child are endanger<strong>in</strong>g his<br />

health or welfare or those of others, or that he may abscond or be removed from the<br />

jurisdiction of the court or will not be brought before the court notwithstand<strong>in</strong>g the service of<br />

the summons, the court may issue a warrant of arrest.<br />

34


Suspended <strong>in</strong> Part<br />

This subsection is suspended by Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 800(2) only <strong>in</strong>sofar<br />

as it is <strong>in</strong>consistent with Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 124, which requires a summoned<br />

person to fail to appear and the court to f<strong>in</strong>d that sufficient notice was given,<br />

prior to the issuance of a bench warrant.<br />

(d) Form.--A summons and warrant of arrest shall be <strong>in</strong> such form and shall be<br />

served as prescribed by general rules.<br />

(e) Waiver of service.--A party, other than the child, may waive service of summons<br />

by written stipulation or by voluntary appearance at the hear<strong>in</strong>g. If the child is present at<br />

the hear<strong>in</strong>g, his counsel, with the consent of the parent, guardian, or other custodian, or<br />

guardian ad litem, may waive service of summons <strong>in</strong> his behalf.<br />

(f) Limitations on release.--The child shall not be released from detention or shelter<br />

care under authority of subsection (a) if the failure to hold a hear<strong>in</strong>g with<strong>in</strong> ten days after<br />

the fil<strong>in</strong>g of the petition is the result of delay caused by the child. Delay caused by the child<br />

shall <strong>in</strong>clude, but not be limited to:<br />

(1) delay caused by the unavailability of the child or his attorney.<br />

(2) delay caused by any cont<strong>in</strong>uance granted at the request of the child or his<br />

attorney.<br />

(3) delay caused by the unavailability of a witness result<strong>in</strong>g from conduct by or on<br />

behalf of the child.<br />

At the conclusion of any court proceed<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> which the scheduled hear<strong>in</strong>g is not held, the<br />

court shall state on the record whether the failure to hold the hear<strong>in</strong>g resulted from delay<br />

caused by the child. Where the court determ<strong>in</strong>es that failure to hold a hear<strong>in</strong>g is the result<br />

of delay caused by the child, the child may cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be held <strong>in</strong> detention or shelter care.<br />

However, the additional period of detention shall not exceed ten days, provided that such<br />

detention may be cont<strong>in</strong>ued by the court for successive ten-day <strong>in</strong>tervals.<br />

Suspended <strong>in</strong> Part<br />

This section is suspended by Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 800(14) only <strong>in</strong>sofar as it<br />

is <strong>in</strong>consistent with Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 391, which provides for an additional<br />

ten days of detention if a notice of <strong>in</strong>tent for transfer to crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

has been filed.<br />

Cross References. Section 6335 is referred to <strong>in</strong> section 6368 of Title 23 (Domestic<br />

Relations).<br />

35


§6336. Conduct of hear<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

(a) General rule.--Hear<strong>in</strong>gs under this chapter shall be conducted by the court<br />

without a jury, <strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>formal but orderly manner, and separate from other proceed<strong>in</strong>gs not<br />

<strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> section 6303 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to scope of chapter).<br />

(b) Functions of district attorney.--The district attorney, upon request of the court,<br />

shall present the evidence <strong>in</strong> support of the petition and otherwise conduct the proceed<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

on behalf of the Commonwealth.<br />

(c) Record.--If requested by the party or ordered by the court the proceed<strong>in</strong>gs shall<br />

be recorded by appropriate means. If not so recorded, full m<strong>in</strong>utes of the proceed<strong>in</strong>gs shall<br />

be kept by the court.<br />

Suspended <strong>in</strong> Part<br />

This subsection is suspended by Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 800(3) only <strong>in</strong>sofar<br />

as it is <strong>in</strong>consistent with Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 127(A), which requires proceed<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

to be recorded.<br />

(d) Proceed<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> camera.--Except <strong>in</strong> hear<strong>in</strong>gs to declare a person <strong>in</strong> contempt of<br />

court and <strong>in</strong> hear<strong>in</strong>gs as specified <strong>in</strong> subsection (e), the general public shall be excluded<br />

from hear<strong>in</strong>gs under this chapter. Only the parties, their counsel, witnesses, the victim and<br />

counsel for the victim, other persons accompany<strong>in</strong>g a party or a victim for his or her<br />

assistance, and any other person as the court f<strong>in</strong>ds have a proper <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> the<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>g or <strong>in</strong> the work of the court shall be admitted by the court. The court may<br />

temporarily exclude the child from the hear<strong>in</strong>g except while allegations of his del<strong>in</strong>quency<br />

are be<strong>in</strong>g heard.<br />

(e) Open proceed<strong>in</strong>gs.--The general public shall not be excluded from any hear<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

under this chapter:<br />

(1) Pursuant to a petition alleg<strong>in</strong>g del<strong>in</strong>quency where the child was 14 years of age<br />

or older at the time of the alleged conduct and the alleged conduct would be considered<br />

a felony if committed by an adult.<br />

(2) Pursuant to a petition alleg<strong>in</strong>g del<strong>in</strong>quency where the child was 12 years of age<br />

or older at the time of the alleged conduct and where the alleged conduct would have<br />

constituted one or more of the follow<strong>in</strong>g offenses if committed by an adult:<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

Murder.<br />

Voluntary manslaughter.<br />

36


(iii) Aggravated assault as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §2702(a)(1) or (2) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

aggravated assault).<br />

(iv) Arson as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3301(a)(1) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to arson and related<br />

offenses).<br />

(v)<br />

(vi)<br />

Involuntary deviate sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse.<br />

Kidnapp<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

(vii) Rape.<br />

(viii) Robbery as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3701(a)(1)(i), (ii) or (iii) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

robbery).<br />

(ix)<br />

(x)<br />

Robbery of motor vehicle.<br />

Attempt or conspiracy to commit any of the offenses <strong>in</strong> this paragraph.<br />

Notwithstand<strong>in</strong>g anyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> this subsection, the proceed<strong>in</strong>gs shall be closed upon and to<br />

the extent of any agreement between the child and the attorney for the Commonwealth.<br />

(f) Discretion of court.--The court at any disposition proceed<strong>in</strong>g under subsection<br />

(e) shall have discretion to ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> the confidentiality of mental health, medical or juvenile<br />

<strong>in</strong>stitutional documents or juvenile probation reports.<br />

§6336.1. Notice and hear<strong>in</strong>g<br />

The court shall direct the county agency or juvenile probation department to provide the<br />

child's foster parent, preadoptive parent or relative provid<strong>in</strong>g care for the child with timely<br />

notice of the hear<strong>in</strong>g. The court shall provide the child's foster parent, preadoptive parent<br />

or relative provid<strong>in</strong>g care for the child the right to be heard at any hear<strong>in</strong>g under this<br />

chapter. Unless a foster parent, preadoptive parent or relative provid<strong>in</strong>g care for a child<br />

has been awarded legal custody pursuant to section 6357 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to rights and duties of<br />

legal custodian), noth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> this section shall give the foster parent, preadoptive parent or<br />

relative provid<strong>in</strong>g care for the child legal stand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the matter be<strong>in</strong>g heard by the court.<br />

§6337. Right to counsel<br />

Except as provided <strong>in</strong> section 6311 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to guardian ad litem for child <strong>in</strong> court<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>gs) a party is entitled to representation by legal counsel at all stages of any<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>gs under this chapter and if he is without f<strong>in</strong>ancial resources or otherwise unable<br />

to employ counsel, to have the court provide counsel for him. If a party appears without<br />

counsel the court shall ascerta<strong>in</strong> whether he knows of his right thereto and to be provided<br />

with counsel by the court if applicable. The court may cont<strong>in</strong>ue the proceed<strong>in</strong>g to enable a<br />

(Rev. 1/08)<br />

37


party to obta<strong>in</strong> counsel. Counsel must be provided for a child unless his parent, guardian,<br />

or custodian is present <strong>in</strong> court and affirmatively waive it. However, the parent, guardian,<br />

or custodian may not waive counsel for a child when their <strong>in</strong>terest may be <strong>in</strong> conflict with<br />

the <strong>in</strong>terest or <strong>in</strong>terests of the child. If the <strong>in</strong>terests of two or more parties may conflict,<br />

separate counsel shall be provided for each of them.<br />

Suspended <strong>in</strong> Part<br />

This section is suspended by Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 800(5) only <strong>in</strong>sofar as it<br />

is <strong>in</strong>consistent with Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 152, which does not allow a guardian to<br />

waive a juvenile’s right to counsel.<br />

Cross References. Section 6337 is referred to <strong>in</strong> sections 6315, 6368 of Title 23 (Domestic<br />

Relations).<br />

§6338. Other basic rights<br />

(a) General rule.--A party is entitled to the opportunity to <strong>in</strong>troduce evidence and<br />

otherwise be heard <strong>in</strong> his own behalf and to cross-exam<strong>in</strong>e witnesses.<br />

(b) Self-<strong>in</strong>crim<strong>in</strong>ation.--A child charged with a del<strong>in</strong>quent act need not be a witness<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st or otherwise <strong>in</strong>crim<strong>in</strong>ate himself. An extrajudicial statement, if obta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the<br />

course of violation of this chapter or which could be constitutionally <strong>in</strong>admissible <strong>in</strong> a<br />

crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>g, shall not be used aga<strong>in</strong>st him. Evidence illegally seized or obta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

shall not be received over objection to establish the allegations made aga<strong>in</strong>st him. A<br />

confession validly made by a child out of court at a time when the child is under 18 years of<br />

age shall be <strong>in</strong>sufficient to support an adjudication of del<strong>in</strong>quency unless it is corroborated<br />

by other evidence.<br />

Cross References. Section 6338 is referred to <strong>in</strong> sections 6315, 6368 of Title 23 (Domestic<br />

Relations).<br />

§6339. Investigation and report<br />

(a) General rule.--If the allegations of a petition are admitted by a party or notice of<br />

hear<strong>in</strong>g under section 6355 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to transfer to crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>gs) has been given,<br />

the court, prior to the hear<strong>in</strong>g on need for treatment or disposition, may direct that a social<br />

study and report <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g to the court be made by an officer of the court or other person<br />

designated by the court, concern<strong>in</strong>g the child, his family, his environment, and other<br />

matters relevant to disposition of the case. If the allegations of the petition are not admitted<br />

and notice of a hear<strong>in</strong>g under section 6355 has not been given, the court shall not direct<br />

the mak<strong>in</strong>g of the study and report until after the court has held a hear<strong>in</strong>g on the petition<br />

upon notice of hear<strong>in</strong>g given pursuant to this chapter and the court has found that the child<br />

committed a del<strong>in</strong>quent act or is a dependent child.<br />

38


Suspended <strong>in</strong> Part<br />

This subsection is suspended by Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 800(13) only <strong>in</strong>sofar<br />

as it is <strong>in</strong>consistent with the requirement of Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 373, that a<br />

motion for early discharge is to be made to the court.<br />

(b) Physical and mental exam<strong>in</strong>ations and treatment.--Dur<strong>in</strong>g the pendency of<br />

any proceed<strong>in</strong>g the court may order the child to be exam<strong>in</strong>ed at a suitable place by a<br />

physician or psychologist and may also order medical or surgical treatment of a child who is<br />

suffer<strong>in</strong>g from a serious physical condition or illness which <strong>in</strong> the op<strong>in</strong>ion of a licensed<br />

physician requires prompt treatment, even if the parent, guardian, or other custodian has<br />

not been given notice of a hear<strong>in</strong>g, is not available, or without good cause <strong>in</strong>forms the court<br />

of his refusal to consent to the treatment.<br />

§6340. Consent decree<br />

(a) General rule.--At any time after the fil<strong>in</strong>g of a petition and before the entry of an<br />

adjudication order, the court may, on motion of the district attorney or of counsel for the<br />

child, suspend the proceed<strong>in</strong>gs, and cont<strong>in</strong>ue the child under supervision <strong>in</strong> his own home,<br />

under terms and conditions negotiated with the probation services and agreed to by all<br />

parties affected. The order of the court cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g the child under supervision shall be<br />

known as a consent decree.<br />

(b) Objection.--Where the child or the district attorney objects to a consent decree,<br />

the court shall proceed to f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs, adjudication and disposition.<br />

(c) Duration of decree.--A consent decree shall rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> force for six months unless<br />

the child is discharged sooner by probation services with the approval of the court. Upon<br />

application of the probation services or other agency supervis<strong>in</strong>g the child, made before<br />

expiration of the six-month period, a consent decree may be extended by the court for an<br />

additional six months.<br />

(c.1) Terms and conditions.--Consistent with the protection of the public <strong>in</strong>terest, the<br />

terms and conditions of a consent decree may <strong>in</strong>clude payment by the child of reasonable<br />

amounts of money as costs, fees or restitution, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a supervision fee and contribution<br />

to a restitution fund established by the president judge of the court of common pleas<br />

pursuant to section 6352(a)(5) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to disposition of del<strong>in</strong>quent child) and shall, as<br />

appropriate to the circumstances of each case, <strong>in</strong>clude provisions which provide balanced<br />

attention to the protection of the community, accountability for offenses committed and the<br />

development of competencies to enable the child to become a responsible and productive<br />

member of the community.<br />

(d) Re<strong>in</strong>statement of petition.--If prior to discharge by the probation services or<br />

expiration of the consent decree, a new petition is filed aga<strong>in</strong>st the child, or the child<br />

39


otherwise fails to fulfill express terms and conditions of the decree, the petition under which<br />

the child was cont<strong>in</strong>ued under supervision may, <strong>in</strong> the discretion of the district attorney<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g consultation with the probation services, be re<strong>in</strong>stated and the child held<br />

accountable as if the consent decree had never been entered.<br />

(e) Effect of decree.--A child who is discharged by the probation services, or who<br />

completes a period of supervision without re<strong>in</strong>statement of the orig<strong>in</strong>al petition, shall not<br />

aga<strong>in</strong> be proceeded aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>in</strong> any court for the same offense alleged <strong>in</strong> the petition or an<br />

offense based upon the same conduct.<br />

§6341. Adjudication<br />

(a) General rule.--After hear<strong>in</strong>g the evidence on the petition the court shall make and<br />

file its f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs as to whether the child is a dependent child. If the petition alleges that the<br />

child is del<strong>in</strong>quent, with<strong>in</strong> seven days of hear<strong>in</strong>g the evidence on the petition, the court shall<br />

make and file its f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs whether the acts ascribed to the child were committed by him.<br />

This time limitation may only be extended pursuant to the agreement of the child and the<br />

attorney for the Commonwealth. The court’s failure to comply with the time limitations<br />

stated <strong>in</strong> this section shall not be grounds for discharg<strong>in</strong>g the child or dismiss<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>g. If the court f<strong>in</strong>ds that the child is not a dependent child or that the allegations<br />

of del<strong>in</strong>quency have not been established it shall dismiss the petition and order the child<br />

discharged from any detention or other restriction theretofore ordered <strong>in</strong> the proceed<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

For cases <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g allegations of del<strong>in</strong>quency where f<strong>in</strong>gerpr<strong>in</strong>ts or photographs or both<br />

have been taken by a law enforcement agency and where it is determ<strong>in</strong>ed that acts<br />

ascribed to the child were not committed by him, the court shall direct that those records be<br />

immediately destroyed by law enforcement agencies.<br />

(b) F<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g of del<strong>in</strong>quency.--If the court f<strong>in</strong>ds on proof beyond a reasonable doubt<br />

that the child committed the acts by reason of which he is alleged to be del<strong>in</strong>quent it shall<br />

enter such f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g on the record and shall specify the particular offenses <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

grad<strong>in</strong>g and counts thereof which the child is found to have committed. The court shall<br />

then proceed immediately or at a postponed hear<strong>in</strong>g, which shall occur not later than 20<br />

days after such f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g if the child is <strong>in</strong> detention or not more than 60 days after such<br />

f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g if the child is not <strong>in</strong> detention, to hear evidence as to whether the child is <strong>in</strong> need of<br />

treatment, supervision or rehabilitation and to make and file its f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs thereon. This time<br />

limitation may only be extended pursuant to the agreement of the child and the attorney for<br />

the Commonwealth. The court’s failure to comply with the time limitations stated <strong>in</strong> this<br />

section shall not be grounds for discharg<strong>in</strong>g the child or dismiss<strong>in</strong>g the proceed<strong>in</strong>g. In the<br />

absence of evidence to the contrary, evidence of the commission of acts which constitute a<br />

felony shall be sufficient to susta<strong>in</strong> a f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g that the child is <strong>in</strong> need of treatment,<br />

supervision or rehabilitation. If the court f<strong>in</strong>ds that the child is not <strong>in</strong> need of treatment,<br />

supervision or rehabilitation it shall dismiss the proceed<strong>in</strong>g and discharge the child from any<br />

detention or other restriction theretofore ordered.<br />

40


(b.1) School notification.--<br />

(1) Upon f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g a child to be a del<strong>in</strong>quent child, the court shall, through the<br />

juvenile probation department, provide the follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation to the build<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>cipal<br />

or his or her designee of any public, private or parochial school <strong>in</strong> which the child is<br />

enrolled:<br />

(i)<br />

(ii)<br />

(iii)<br />

(iv)<br />

Name and address of the child.<br />

The del<strong>in</strong>quent act or acts which the child was found to have committed.<br />

A brief description of the del<strong>in</strong>quent act or acts.<br />

The disposition of the case.<br />

(2) If the child is adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent for an act or acts which if committed by an<br />

adult would be classified as a felony, the court through the juvenile probation<br />

department shall additionally provide to the build<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>cipal or his or her designee<br />

relevant <strong>in</strong>formation conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the juvenile probation or treatment reports perta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g to<br />

the adjudication, prior del<strong>in</strong>quent history and the supervision plan of the del<strong>in</strong>quent child.<br />

(3) Notwithstand<strong>in</strong>g any provision set forth here<strong>in</strong>, the court or juvenile probation<br />

department shall have the authority to share any additional <strong>in</strong>formation regard<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quent child under its jurisdiction with the build<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>cipal or his or her designee as<br />

deemed necessary to protect public safety or to enable appropriate treatment,<br />

supervision or rehabilitation of the del<strong>in</strong>quent child.<br />

(4) Information provided under this subsection is for the limited purposes of<br />

protect<strong>in</strong>g school personnel and students from danger from the del<strong>in</strong>quent child and of<br />

arrang<strong>in</strong>g appropriate counsel<strong>in</strong>g and education for the del<strong>in</strong>quent child. The build<strong>in</strong>g<br />

pr<strong>in</strong>cipal or his or her designee shall <strong>in</strong>form the child's teacher of all <strong>in</strong>formation received<br />

under this subsection. Information obta<strong>in</strong>ed under this subsection may not be used for<br />

admissions or discipl<strong>in</strong>ary decisions concern<strong>in</strong>g the del<strong>in</strong>quent child unless the act or<br />

acts surround<strong>in</strong>g the adjudication took place on or with<strong>in</strong> 1,500 feet of the school<br />

property.<br />

(5) Any <strong>in</strong>formation provided to and ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed by the build<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>cipal or his or<br />

her designee under this subsection shall be transferred to the build<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>cipal or his or<br />

her designee of any public, private or parochial school to which the child transfers<br />

enrollment.<br />

(6) Any <strong>in</strong>formation provided to the build<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>cipal or his or her designee under<br />

this subsection shall be ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed separately from the child's official school record.<br />

Such <strong>in</strong>formation shall be secured and dissem<strong>in</strong>ated by the build<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>cipal or his or<br />

her designee only as appropriate <strong>in</strong> paragraphs (4) and (5).<br />

41


(c) F<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g of dependency.--If the court f<strong>in</strong>ds from clear and conv<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>g evidence<br />

that the child is dependent, the court shall proceed immediately or at a postponed hear<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

which shall occur not later than 20 days after adjudication if the child has been removed<br />

from his home, to make a proper disposition of the case.<br />

(c.1) Aggravated circumstances.--If the county agency or the child's attorney alleges<br />

the existence of aggravated circumstances and the court determ<strong>in</strong>es that the child is<br />

dependent, the court shall also determ<strong>in</strong>e if aggravated circumstances exist. If the court<br />

f<strong>in</strong>ds from clear and conv<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>g evidence that aggravated circumstances exist, the court<br />

shall determ<strong>in</strong>e whether or not reasonable efforts to prevent or elim<strong>in</strong>ate the need for<br />

remov<strong>in</strong>g the child from the home or to preserve and reunify the family shall be made or<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be made and schedule a hear<strong>in</strong>g as required <strong>in</strong> section 6351(e)(3) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

disposition of dependent child).<br />

(d) Evidence on issue of disposition.--In disposition hear<strong>in</strong>gs under subsections (b)<br />

and (c) all evidence helpful <strong>in</strong> determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the questions presented, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g oral and<br />

written reports, may be received by the court and relied upon to the extent of its probative<br />

value even though not otherwise competent <strong>in</strong> the hear<strong>in</strong>g on the petition. The parties or<br />

their counsel shall be afforded an opportunity to exam<strong>in</strong>e and controvert written reports so<br />

received and to cross-exam<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong>dividuals mak<strong>in</strong>g the reports. Sources of <strong>in</strong>formation<br />

given <strong>in</strong> confidence need not be disclosed.<br />

(e) Cont<strong>in</strong>ued hear<strong>in</strong>gs.--On its motion or that of a party the court may cont<strong>in</strong>ue the<br />

hear<strong>in</strong>gs under this section for a reasonable period, with<strong>in</strong> the time limitations imposed by<br />

this section, to receive reports and other evidence bear<strong>in</strong>g on the disposition or the need<br />

for treatment, supervision or rehabilitation. In this event the court shall make an<br />

appropriate order for detention of the child or his release from detention subject to<br />

supervision of the court dur<strong>in</strong>g the period of the cont<strong>in</strong>uance. In schedul<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>vestigations<br />

and hear<strong>in</strong>gs the court shall give priority to proceed<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> which a child is <strong>in</strong> detention or<br />

has otherwise been removed from his home before an order of disposition has been made.<br />

Cross References. Section 6341 is referred to <strong>in</strong> section 6308 of this title, section 6105 of<br />

Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses); section 2511 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations).<br />

§6342. Court-appo<strong>in</strong>ted special advocates<br />

(a) General rule.--The court may appo<strong>in</strong>t or discharge a CASA at any time dur<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>g or <strong>in</strong>vestigation regard<strong>in</strong>g dependency under this chapter.<br />

(b) Immunity.--A court-appo<strong>in</strong>ted special advocate shall be immune from civil liability<br />

for actions taken <strong>in</strong> good faith to carry out the duties of the CASA under this chapter except<br />

for gross negligence, <strong>in</strong>tentional misconduct or reckless, willful or wanton misconduct.<br />

(c)<br />

Qualifications.--Prior to appo<strong>in</strong>tment, a CASA shall:<br />

42


(1) be 21 years of age or older.<br />

(2) successfully pass screen<strong>in</strong>g requirements, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g crim<strong>in</strong>al history and child<br />

abuse background checks.<br />

(3) successfully complete the tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g requirements established under subsection<br />

(f) and by the court of common pleas of the county where the CASA will serve.<br />

(d)<br />

Powers and duties.--Follow<strong>in</strong>g appo<strong>in</strong>tment by the court, the CASA shall:<br />

(1) have full access to and review all records, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g records under 23 Pa.C.S.<br />

Ch. 63 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to child protective services) relat<strong>in</strong>g to the child and other <strong>in</strong>formation,<br />

unless otherwise restricted by the court;<br />

(2) <strong>in</strong>terview the child and other appropriate persons as necessary to develop its<br />

recommendations;<br />

(3) receive reasonable prior notice of all hear<strong>in</strong>gs, staff meet<strong>in</strong>gs, <strong>in</strong>vestigations or<br />

other proceed<strong>in</strong>gs relat<strong>in</strong>g to the child;<br />

(4) receive reasonable prior notice of the movement of the child from one<br />

placement to another placement, the return of a child to the home, the removal of a child<br />

from the home or any action that materially affects the treatment of the child;<br />

(5) submit written reports to the court to assist the court <strong>in</strong> determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the<br />

disposition best suited to the health, safety and welfare of the child; and<br />

(6) submit copies of all written reports and recommendations to all parties and any<br />

attorney of a party.<br />

(e) Confidentiality.--All records and <strong>in</strong>formation received under this section shall be<br />

confidential and only used by the CASA <strong>in</strong> the performance of his duties.<br />

(f) Standards.--The <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Judges' Commission, established under Act of<br />

December 21, 1959 (P.L.1962, No.717), entitled “An Act provid<strong>in</strong>g for the creation and<br />

operation of the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Judges' Commission <strong>in</strong> the Department of <strong>Justice</strong>;<br />

prescrib<strong>in</strong>g its powers and duties; and mak<strong>in</strong>g an appropriation,” shall develop standards<br />

govern<strong>in</strong>g the qualifications and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g of court-appo<strong>in</strong>ted special advocates.<br />

43


SUBCHAPTER D<br />

DISPOSITION OF CHILDREN GENERALLY<br />

Section<br />

6351. Disposition of dependent child.<br />

6351.1 Authority of court upon petition to remove child from foster<br />

parent.<br />

6352. Disposition of del<strong>in</strong>quent child.<br />

6352.1 Treatment records.<br />

6353. Limitation on and change <strong>in</strong> place of commitment.<br />

6354. Effect of adjudication.<br />

6355. Transfer to crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

6356. Disposition of mentally ill or mentally retarded child.<br />

6357. Rights and duties of legal custodian.<br />

6358. Assessment of del<strong>in</strong>quent children by the State Sexual<br />

Offenders Assessment Board.<br />

§6351. Disposition of dependent child<br />

(a) General rule.--If the child is found to be a dependent child the court may make<br />

any of the follow<strong>in</strong>g orders of disposition best suited to the safety, protection and physical,<br />

mental, and moral welfare of the child:<br />

(1) Permit the child to rema<strong>in</strong> with his parents, guardian, or other custodian,<br />

subject to conditions and limitations as the court prescribes, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g supervision as<br />

directed by the court for the protection of the child.<br />

(2) Subject to conditions and limitations as the court prescribes transfer temporary<br />

legal custody to any of the follow<strong>in</strong>g:<br />

(i) Any <strong>in</strong>dividual resident with<strong>in</strong> or without this Commonwealth, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g any<br />

relative, who, after study by the probation officer or other person or agency<br />

designated by the court, is found by the court to be qualified to receive and care for<br />

the child.<br />

(ii) An agency or other private organization licensed or otherwise authorized by<br />

law to receive and provide care for the child.<br />

(iii)<br />

A public agency authorized by law to receive and provide care for the child.<br />

(2.1) Subject to conditions and limitations as the court prescribes, transfer<br />

permanent legal custody to an <strong>in</strong>dividual resident <strong>in</strong> or outside this Commonwealth,<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g any relative, who, after study by the probation officer or other person or agency<br />

designated by the court, is found by the court to be qualified to receive and care<br />

44


for the child. A court order under this paragraph may set forth the temporary visitation<br />

rights of the parents. The court shall refer issues related to support and cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g<br />

visitation by the parent to the section of the court of common pleas that regularly<br />

determ<strong>in</strong>es support and visitation.<br />

(3) Without mak<strong>in</strong>g any of the forego<strong>in</strong>g orders transfer custody of the child to the<br />

juvenile court of another state if authorized by and <strong>in</strong> accordance with section 6363<br />

(relat<strong>in</strong>g to order<strong>in</strong>g foreign supervision).<br />

(b) Required preplacement f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs.--Prior to enter<strong>in</strong>g any order of disposition<br />

under subsection (a) that would remove a dependent child from his home, the court shall<br />

enter f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs on the record or <strong>in</strong> the order of court as follows:<br />

(1) that cont<strong>in</strong>uation of the child <strong>in</strong> his home would be contrary to the welfare,<br />

safety or health of the child; and<br />

(2) whether reasonable efforts were made prior to the placement of the child to<br />

prevent or elim<strong>in</strong>ate the need for removal of the child from his home, if the child has<br />

rema<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> his home pend<strong>in</strong>g such disposition; or<br />

(3) if preventive services were not offered due to the necessity for an emergency<br />

placement, whether such lack of services was reasonable under the circumstances; or<br />

(4) if the court has previously determ<strong>in</strong>ed pursuant to section 6332 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

<strong>in</strong>formal hear<strong>in</strong>g) that reasonable efforts were not made to prevent the <strong>in</strong>itial removal of<br />

the child from his home, whether reasonable efforts are under way to make it possible<br />

for the child to return home.<br />

The court shall not enter f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs under paragraph (2), (3) or (4) if the court previously<br />

determ<strong>in</strong>ed that aggravated circumstances exist and no new or additional reasonable<br />

efforts to prevent or elim<strong>in</strong>ate the need for remov<strong>in</strong>g the child from the home or to preserve<br />

and reunify the family are required.<br />

(c) Limitation on conf<strong>in</strong>ement.--Unless a child found to be dependent is found also<br />

to be del<strong>in</strong>quent he shall not be committed to or conf<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>stitution or other facility<br />

designed or operated for the benefit of del<strong>in</strong>quent children.<br />

(d) County programs.--Every county of this Commonwealth shall develop programs<br />

for children under paragraph (5) or (6) of the def<strong>in</strong>ition of "dependent child" <strong>in</strong> section 6302<br />

(relat<strong>in</strong>g to def<strong>in</strong>itions).<br />

(e)<br />

Permanency hear<strong>in</strong>gs.--<br />

(1) The court shall conduct a permanency hear<strong>in</strong>g for the purpose of determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />

or review<strong>in</strong>g the permanency plan of the child, the date by which the goal of<br />

45


permanency for the child might be achieved and whether placement cont<strong>in</strong>ues to be<br />

best suited to the safety, protection and physical, mental and moral welfare of the child.<br />

In any permanency hear<strong>in</strong>g held with respect to the child, the court shall consult with the<br />

child regard<strong>in</strong>g the child’s permanency plan <strong>in</strong> a manner appropriate to the child’s age<br />

and maturity. If the court does not consult personally with the child, the court shall<br />

ensure that the views of the child regard<strong>in</strong>g the permanency plan have been ascerta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

to the fullest extent possible and communicated to the court by the guardian ad litem<br />

under section 6311 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to guardian ad litem for child <strong>in</strong> court proceed<strong>in</strong>gs) or, as<br />

appropriate to the circumstances of the case by the child’s counsel, the court-appo<strong>in</strong>ted<br />

special advocate or other person as designated by the court.<br />

(2) If the county agency or the child's attorney alleges the existence of aggravated<br />

circumstances and the court determ<strong>in</strong>es that the child has been adjudicated dependent,<br />

the court shall then determ<strong>in</strong>e if aggravated circumstances exist. If the court f<strong>in</strong>ds from<br />

clear and conv<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>g evidence that aggravated circumstances exist, the court shall<br />

determ<strong>in</strong>e whether or not reasonable efforts to prevent or elim<strong>in</strong>ate the need for<br />

remov<strong>in</strong>g the child from the child’s parent, guardian or custodian or to preserve and<br />

reunify the family shall be made or cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be made and schedule a hear<strong>in</strong>g as<br />

provided <strong>in</strong> paragraph (3).<br />

(3) The court shall conduct permanency hear<strong>in</strong>gs as follows:<br />

(i) with<strong>in</strong> six months of:<br />

(A) the date of the child’s removal from the child’s parent, guardian or<br />

custodian for placement under sections 6324 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to custody) or<br />

6332 or pursuant to a transfer of temporary legal custody or other disposition<br />

under subsection (a)(2), whichever is the earliest; or<br />

(B) each previous permanency hear<strong>in</strong>g until the child is returned to the child’s<br />

parent, guardian or custodian or removed from the jurisdiction of the court.<br />

(ii) with<strong>in</strong> 30 days of:<br />

(A) an adjudication of dependency at which the court determ<strong>in</strong>ed that<br />

aggravated circumstances exist and that reasonable efforts to prevent or elim<strong>in</strong>ate<br />

the need to remove the child from the child’s parent, guardian or custodian or to<br />

preserve and reunify the family need not be made or cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be made;<br />

(B) a permanency hear<strong>in</strong>g at which the court determ<strong>in</strong>ed that aggravated<br />

circumstances exist and that reasonable efforts to prevent or elim<strong>in</strong>ate the need to<br />

remove the child from the child’s parent, guardian or custodian or to preserve and<br />

reunify the family need not be made or cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be made and the permanency<br />

plan for the child is <strong>in</strong>complete or <strong>in</strong>consistent with the court's determ<strong>in</strong>ation;<br />

(C) an allegation that aggravated circumstances exist regard<strong>in</strong>g a child who<br />

has been adjudicated dependent filed under section 6334(b) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to petition);<br />

or<br />

(D) a petition alleg<strong>in</strong>g that the hear<strong>in</strong>g is necessary to protect the safety or<br />

physical, mental or moral welfare of a dependent child.<br />

46<br />

(Rev. 1/08)


(f) Matters to be determ<strong>in</strong>ed at permanency hear<strong>in</strong>g.--At each permanency<br />

hear<strong>in</strong>g, a court shall determ<strong>in</strong>e all of the follow<strong>in</strong>g:<br />

(1) the cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g necessity for and appropriateness of the placement.<br />

(2) the appropriateness, feasibility and extent of compliance with the permanency<br />

plan developed for the child.<br />

(3) the extent of progress made toward alleviat<strong>in</strong>g the circumstances which<br />

necessitated the orig<strong>in</strong>al placement.<br />

(4) the appropriateness and feasibility of the current placement goal for the child.<br />

(5) the likely date by which the placement goal for the child might be achieved.<br />

(5.1) whether reasonable efforts were made to f<strong>in</strong>alize the permanency plan <strong>in</strong> effect.<br />

(6) whether the child is safe.<br />

(7) if the child has been placed outside the Commonwealth, whether the placement<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ues to be best suited to the safety, protection and physical, mental and moral<br />

welfare of the child.<br />

(8) the services needed to assist a child who is 16 years of age or older to make<br />

the transition to <strong>in</strong>dependent liv<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

(9) if the child has been <strong>in</strong> placement for at least 15 of the last 22 months or the<br />

court has determ<strong>in</strong>ed that aggravated circumstances exist and that reasonable efforts to<br />

prevent or elim<strong>in</strong>ate the need to remove the child from the child’s parent, guardian or<br />

custodian or to preserve and reunify the family need not be made or cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be<br />

made, whether the county agency has filed or sought to jo<strong>in</strong> a petition to term<strong>in</strong>ate<br />

parental rights and to identify, recruit, process and approve a qualified family to adopt<br />

the child unless:<br />

(i) the child is be<strong>in</strong>g cared for by a relative best suited to the physical, mental<br />

and moral welfare of the child;<br />

(ii) the county agency has documented a compell<strong>in</strong>g reason for determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g that<br />

fil<strong>in</strong>g a petition to term<strong>in</strong>ate parental rights would not serve the needs and welfare of<br />

the child; or<br />

(iii) the child's family has not been provided with necessary services to achieve<br />

the safe return to the child's parent, guardian or custodian with<strong>in</strong> the time frames set<br />

forth <strong>in</strong> the permanency plan.<br />

47


For children placed <strong>in</strong> foster care on or before November 19, 1997, the county agency shall<br />

file or jo<strong>in</strong> a petition for term<strong>in</strong>ation of parental rights under this subsection <strong>in</strong> accordance<br />

with section 103(c)(2) of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (Public Law 105-89,<br />

111 Stat. 2119).<br />

(f.1) Additional Determ<strong>in</strong>ation.--Based upon the determ<strong>in</strong>ations made under<br />

subsection (f) and all relevant evidence presented at the hear<strong>in</strong>g, the court shall determ<strong>in</strong>e<br />

one of the follow<strong>in</strong>g:<br />

(1) If and when the child will be returned to the child’s parent, guardian or<br />

custodian <strong>in</strong> cases where the return of the child is best suited to the safety, protection<br />

and physical, mental and moral welfare of the child.<br />

(2) If and when the child will be placed for adoption and the county agency will file<br />

for term<strong>in</strong>ation of parental rights <strong>in</strong> cases where return to the child’s parent, guardian or<br />

custodian is not best suited to the safety, protection and physical, mental and moral<br />

welfare of the child.<br />

(3) If and when the child will be placed with a legal custodian <strong>in</strong> cases where the<br />

return to the child’s parent, guardian or custodian, or be<strong>in</strong>g placed for adoption is not<br />

best suited to the safety, protection and physical, mental and moral welfare of the child.<br />

(4) If and when the child will be placed with a fit and will<strong>in</strong>g relative <strong>in</strong> cases where<br />

return to the child’s parent, guardian or custodian, be<strong>in</strong>g placed for adoption or be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

placed with a legal custodian is not best suited to the safety, protection and physical,<br />

mental and moral welfare of the child.<br />

(5) If and when the child will be placed <strong>in</strong> another liv<strong>in</strong>g arrangement <strong>in</strong>tended to<br />

be permanent <strong>in</strong> nature which is approved by the court, <strong>in</strong> cases where the county<br />

agency has documented a compell<strong>in</strong>g reason that it would not be best suited to the<br />

safety, protection and physical, mental and moral welfare of the child to be returned to<br />

the child’s parent, guardian or custodian, to be placed for adoption, to be placed with a<br />

legal custodian or to be placed with a fit and will<strong>in</strong>g relative.<br />

(f.2) Evidence.--Evidence of conduct by the parent that places the health, safety or<br />

welfare of the child at risk, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g evidence of the use of alcohol or a controlled<br />

substance that places the health, safety or welfare of the child at risk, shall be presented to<br />

the court by the county agency or any other party at any disposition or permanency hear<strong>in</strong>g<br />

whether or not the conduct was the basis for the determ<strong>in</strong>ation of dependency.<br />

(g) Court order.--On the basis of the determ<strong>in</strong>ation made under subsection (f.1), the<br />

court shall order the cont<strong>in</strong>uation, modification or term<strong>in</strong>ation of placement or other<br />

disposition which is best suited to the safety, protection and physical, mental and moral<br />

welfare of the child.<br />

(h)<br />

Certa<strong>in</strong> hear<strong>in</strong>gs discretionary.--(Deleted by amendment).<br />

48


(i) Assignment to orphans' court.--A judge who adjudicated the child dependent or<br />

who has conducted permanency hear<strong>in</strong>gs or other dependency proceed<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

child may be assigned to the orphans' court division for the purpose of hear<strong>in</strong>g proceed<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

relat<strong>in</strong>g to any of the follow<strong>in</strong>g:<br />

(1) <strong>in</strong>voluntary term<strong>in</strong>ation of parental rights of a parent of the dependent child<br />

under 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 25 Subch. B (relat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>voluntary term<strong>in</strong>ation).<br />

(2) a petition to adopt the dependent child.<br />

Cross References. Section 6351 is referred to <strong>in</strong> sections 6341, 6352, 6352.1, and 6357 of<br />

this title.<br />

§6351.1 Authority of court upon petition to remove child from foster parent<br />

(a) Order required.--Notwithstand<strong>in</strong>g sections 6324 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to custody)<br />

and 6351(a) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to disposition of dependent child), if a county agency petitions the<br />

court for removal of a child because the foster parent has been convicted of an offense set<br />

forth <strong>in</strong> 23 Pa.C.S. §6344(c) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>formation relat<strong>in</strong>g to prospective child-care<br />

personnel), the court shall immediately enter an order remov<strong>in</strong>g the child from the foster<br />

parent.<br />

(b) Limitation on placement.--If a court enters an order under subsection (a), the<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g apply:<br />

(1) Except as set forth <strong>in</strong> paragraph (2), the court may, under section 6351(a),<br />

enter an order of disposition best suited to the child’s safety; protection; and physical,<br />

mental and moral welfare.<br />

(2) Notwithstand<strong>in</strong>g section 6351(a), if the court f<strong>in</strong>ds that the foster parent has<br />

been convicted of an offense set forth <strong>in</strong> 23 Pa.C.S. §6344(c), the court has no authority<br />

to place or return the child to the foster parent who was named <strong>in</strong> the petition filed by the<br />

county agency under subsection (a).<br />

§6352. Disposition of del<strong>in</strong>quent child<br />

(a) General rule.--If the child is found to be a del<strong>in</strong>quent child the court may make<br />

any of the follow<strong>in</strong>g orders of disposition determ<strong>in</strong>ed to be consistent with the protection of<br />

the public <strong>in</strong>terest and best suited to the child's treatment, supervision, rehabilitation, and<br />

welfare, which disposition shall, as appropriate to the <strong>in</strong>dividual circumstances of the child's<br />

case, provide balanced attention to the protection of the community, the imposition of<br />

accountability for offenses committed and the development of competencies to enable the<br />

child to become a responsible and productive member of the community:<br />

49


(1) Any order authorized by section 6351 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to disposition of dependent<br />

child).<br />

(2) Plac<strong>in</strong>g the child on probation under supervision of the probation officer of the<br />

court or the court of another state as provided <strong>in</strong> section 6363 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to order<strong>in</strong>g<br />

foreign supervision), under conditions and limitations the court prescribes.<br />

(3) Committ<strong>in</strong>g the child to an <strong>in</strong>stitution, youth development center, camp, or other<br />

facility for del<strong>in</strong>quent children operated under the direction or supervision of the court or<br />

other public authority and approved by the Department of Public Welfare.<br />

(4) If the child is 12 years of age or older, committ<strong>in</strong>g the child to an <strong>in</strong>stitution<br />

operated by the Department of Public Welfare.<br />

(5) Order<strong>in</strong>g payment by the child of reasonable amounts of money as f<strong>in</strong>es, costs,<br />

fees or restitution as deemed appropriate as part of the plan of rehabilitation consider<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the nature of the acts committed and the earn<strong>in</strong>g capacity of the child, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

contribution to a restitution fund. The president judge of the court of common pleas shall<br />

establish a restitution fund for the deposit of all contributions to the restitution fund which<br />

are received or collected. The president judge of the court of common pleas shall<br />

promulgate written guidel<strong>in</strong>es for the adm<strong>in</strong>istration of the fund. Disbursements from the<br />

fund shall be made, subject to the written guidel<strong>in</strong>es and the limitations of this chapter,<br />

at the discretion of the president judge and used to reimburse crime victims for f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />

losses result<strong>in</strong>g from del<strong>in</strong>quent acts. For an order made under this subsection, the<br />

court shall reta<strong>in</strong> jurisdiction until there has been full compliance with the order or until<br />

the del<strong>in</strong>quent child atta<strong>in</strong>s 21 years of age. Any restitution order which rema<strong>in</strong>s unpaid<br />

at the time the child atta<strong>in</strong>s 21 years of age shall cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be collectible under section<br />

9728 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to collection of restitution, reparation, fees, costs, f<strong>in</strong>es and penalties).<br />

(6) An order of the terms of probation may <strong>in</strong>clude an appropriate f<strong>in</strong>e consider<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the nature of the act committed or restitution not <strong>in</strong> excess of actual damages caused by<br />

the child which shall be paid from the earn<strong>in</strong>gs of the child received through participation<br />

<strong>in</strong> a constructive program of service or education acceptable to the victim and the court<br />

whereby, dur<strong>in</strong>g the course of such service, the child shall be paid not less than the<br />

m<strong>in</strong>imum wage of this Commonwealth. In order<strong>in</strong>g such service, the court shall take<br />

<strong>in</strong>to consideration the age, physical and mental capacity of the child and the service<br />

shall be designed to impress upon the child a sense of responsibility for the <strong>in</strong>juries<br />

caused to the person or property of another. The order of the court shall be limited <strong>in</strong><br />

duration consistent with the limitations <strong>in</strong> section 6353 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to limitation on and<br />

change <strong>in</strong> place of commitment) and <strong>in</strong> the Act of May 13, 1915 (P.L. 286, No. 177),<br />

known as the Child Labor Law. The court order shall specify the nature of the work, the<br />

number of hours to be spent perform<strong>in</strong>g the assigned tasks, and shall further specify<br />

that as part of a plan of treatment and rehabilitation that up to 75% of the earn<strong>in</strong>gs of the<br />

child be used for restitution <strong>in</strong> order to provide positive re<strong>in</strong>forcement for the work<br />

performed.<br />

50


In select<strong>in</strong>g from the alternatives set forth <strong>in</strong> this section, the court shall follow the general<br />

pr<strong>in</strong>ciple that the disposition imposed should provide the means through which the<br />

provisions of this chapter are executed and enforced consistent with section 6301 (b)<br />

(relat<strong>in</strong>g to purposes) and when conf<strong>in</strong>ement is necessary, the court shall impose the<br />

m<strong>in</strong>imum amount of conf<strong>in</strong>ement that is consistent with the protection of the public and the<br />

rehabilitation needs of the child.<br />

(b) Limitation on place of commitment.--A child shall not be committed or<br />

transferred to a penal <strong>in</strong>stitution or other facility used primarily for the execution of<br />

sentences of adults convicted of a crime.<br />

Cross References. Section 6352 is referred to <strong>in</strong> sections 6352.1 and 9728 of this title.<br />

§6352.1. Treatment records<br />

Notwithstand<strong>in</strong>g any other provision of law, drug and alcohol treatment records or<br />

related <strong>in</strong>formation regard<strong>in</strong>g a child who is alleged or who has been found to be dependent<br />

or del<strong>in</strong>quent, or the child's parent, shall be released to the county agency, court or juvenile<br />

probation officer upon the consent of the child or the child's parent or upon an order of the<br />

court. The disclosure of drug and alcohol treatment records under this section shall be<br />

obta<strong>in</strong>ed or ordered <strong>in</strong> a manner that is consistent with the procedures, limitations and<br />

criteria set forth <strong>in</strong> regulations adopted by the Department of Health and Human Services<br />

relat<strong>in</strong>g to the confidentiality of drug and alcohol treatment records. The county agency,<br />

court or juvenile probation officer shall only use the records to carry out the purposes of this<br />

chapter and shall not release the records to any other person. The court may order the<br />

participation of the county agency or juvenile probation officer <strong>in</strong> the development of a<br />

treatment plan for the child as necessary to protect the health, safety or welfare of the child,<br />

to <strong>in</strong>clude discussions with the <strong>in</strong>dividual, facility or program provid<strong>in</strong>g treatment and the<br />

child or the child's parent <strong>in</strong> furtherance of a disposition under section 6351 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

disposition of dependent child) or 6352 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to disposition of del<strong>in</strong>quent child).<br />

§6353. Limitation on and change <strong>in</strong> place of commitment<br />

(a) General rule.--No child shall <strong>in</strong>itially be committed to an <strong>in</strong>stitution for a period<br />

longer than four years or a period longer than he could have been sentenced by the court if<br />

he had been convicted of the same offense as an adult, whichever is less. The <strong>in</strong>itial<br />

commitment may be extended for a similar period of time, or modified, if the court f<strong>in</strong>ds<br />

after hear<strong>in</strong>g that the extension or modification will effectuate the orig<strong>in</strong>al purpose for which<br />

the order was entered. The child shall have notice of the extension or modification hear<strong>in</strong>g<br />

and shall be given an opportunity to be heard. The committ<strong>in</strong>g court shall review each<br />

commitment every six months and shall hold a disposition review hear<strong>in</strong>g at least every<br />

n<strong>in</strong>e months.<br />

51


Suspended <strong>in</strong> Part<br />

This subsection is suspended by Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 800(15) only <strong>in</strong>sofar<br />

as it is <strong>in</strong>consistent with the requirement of Pa.R.J.C.P. Rule 610, which<br />

requires dispositional review hear<strong>in</strong>gs to be held at least every six months<br />

when a juvenile is removed from the home.<br />

(b) Transfer to other <strong>in</strong>stitution.--After placement of the child, and if his progress<br />

with the <strong>in</strong>stitution warrants it, the <strong>in</strong>stitution may seek to transfer the child to a less secure<br />

facility, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a group home or foster board<strong>in</strong>g home. The <strong>in</strong>stitution shall give the<br />

committ<strong>in</strong>g court written notice of all requests for transfer and shall give the attorney for the<br />

Commonwealth written notice of a request for transfer from a secure facility to another<br />

facility. If the court, or <strong>in</strong> the case of a request to transfer from a secure facility, the<br />

attorney for the Commonwealth, does not object to the request for transfer with<strong>in</strong> ten days<br />

after the receipt of such notice, the transfer may be effectuated. If the court, or <strong>in</strong> the case<br />

of a request to transfer from a secure facility, the attorney for the Commonwealth, objects<br />

to the transfer, the court shall hold a hear<strong>in</strong>g with<strong>in</strong> 20 days after object<strong>in</strong>g to the transfer<br />

for the purpose of review<strong>in</strong>g the commitment order. The <strong>in</strong>stitution shall be notified of the<br />

scheduled hear<strong>in</strong>g, at which hear<strong>in</strong>g evidence may be presented by any <strong>in</strong>terested party on<br />

the issue of the propriety of the transfer. If the <strong>in</strong>stitution seeks to transfer to a more secure<br />

facility the child shall have a full hear<strong>in</strong>g before the committ<strong>in</strong>g court. At the hear<strong>in</strong>g, the<br />

court may reaffirm or modify its commitment order.<br />

(c) Notice of available facilities and services.--Immediately after the<br />

Commonwealth adopts its budget, the Department of Public Welfare shall notify the courts<br />

and the General Assembly, for each Department of Public Welfare region, of the available:<br />

(1) secure beds for the serious juvenile offenders.<br />

(2) general residential beds for the adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent child.<br />

(3) the community-based programs for the adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent child.<br />

If the population at a particular <strong>in</strong>stitution or program exceeds 110% of capacity, the<br />

department shall notify the courts and the General Assembly that <strong>in</strong>take to that <strong>in</strong>stitution or<br />

program is temporarily closed and shall make available equivalent services to children <strong>in</strong><br />

equivalent facilities.<br />

Cross References. Section 6353 is referred to <strong>in</strong> section 6352 and 9728 of this title.<br />

§6354. Effect of adjudication<br />

(a) General rule.--An order of disposition or other adjudication <strong>in</strong> a proceed<strong>in</strong>g under<br />

this chapter is not a conviction of crime and does not impose any civil disability ord<strong>in</strong>arily<br />

result<strong>in</strong>g from a conviction or operate to disqualify the child <strong>in</strong> any civil service application<br />

or appo<strong>in</strong>tment.<br />

52


(b) Effect <strong>in</strong> subsequent judicial matters.--The disposition of a child under this<br />

chapter may only be used aga<strong>in</strong>st him:<br />

(1) <strong>in</strong> dispositional proceed<strong>in</strong>gs after conviction for the purposes of a presentence<br />

<strong>in</strong>vestigation and report if the child was adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent;<br />

(2) <strong>in</strong> a subsequent juvenile hear<strong>in</strong>g, whether before or after reach<strong>in</strong>g majority;<br />

(3) if relevant, where he has put his reputation or character <strong>in</strong> issue <strong>in</strong> a civil<br />

matter; or<br />

(4) <strong>in</strong> a crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>g, if the child was adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent for an offense,<br />

the evidence of which would be admissible if committed by an adult.<br />

§6355. Transfer to crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

(a) General rule.--After a petition has been filed alleg<strong>in</strong>g del<strong>in</strong>quency based on<br />

conduct which is designated a crime or public offense under the laws, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g local<br />

ord<strong>in</strong>ances, of this Commonwealth, the court before hear<strong>in</strong>g the petition on its merits may<br />

rule that this chapter is not applicable and that the offense should be prosecuted, and<br />

transfer the offense, where appropriate, to the division or a judge of the court assigned to<br />

conduct crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>gs, for prosecution of the offense if all of the follow<strong>in</strong>g exist:<br />

(1) The child was 14 or more years of age at the time of the alleged conduct.<br />

(2) A hear<strong>in</strong>g on whether the transfer should be made is held <strong>in</strong> conformity with this<br />

chapter.<br />

(3) Notice <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g of the time, place, and purpose of the hear<strong>in</strong>g is given to the<br />

child and his parents, guardian, or other custodian at least three days before the<br />

hear<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

(4) The court f<strong>in</strong>ds:<br />

(i)<br />

alleged;<br />

(ii)<br />

adult;<br />

that there is a prima facie case that the child committed the del<strong>in</strong>quent act<br />

that the del<strong>in</strong>quent act would be considered a felony if committed by an<br />

(iii) that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the public <strong>in</strong>terest is<br />

served by the transfer of the case for crim<strong>in</strong>al prosecution. In determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g whether<br />

the public <strong>in</strong>terest can be served, the court shall consider the follow<strong>in</strong>g factors:<br />

(A)<br />

the impact of the offense on the victim or victims;<br />

53


(B)<br />

(C)<br />

(D)<br />

child;<br />

(E)<br />

the impact of the offense on the community;<br />

the threat to the safety of the public or any <strong>in</strong>dividual posed by the child;<br />

the nature and circumstances of the offense allegedly committed by the<br />

the degree of the child's culpability;<br />

(F) the adequacy and duration of dispositional alternatives available under<br />

this chapter and <strong>in</strong> the adult crim<strong>in</strong>al justice system; and<br />

(G) whether the child is amenable to treatment, supervision or rehabilitation<br />

as a juvenile by consider<strong>in</strong>g the follow<strong>in</strong>g factors:<br />

(I)<br />

(II)<br />

(III)<br />

age;<br />

mental capacity;<br />

maturity;<br />

(IV) the degree of crim<strong>in</strong>al sophistication exhibited by the child;<br />

(V)<br />

previous records, if any;<br />

(VI) the nature and extent of any prior del<strong>in</strong>quent history, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

success or failure of any previous attempts by the juvenile court to rehabilitate<br />

the child;<br />

(VII) whether the child can be rehabilitated prior to the expiration of the<br />

juvenile court jurisdiction;<br />

(VIII) probation or <strong>in</strong>stitutional reports, if any;<br />

(IX) any other relevant factors; and<br />

(iv) that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the child is not committable<br />

to an <strong>in</strong>stitution for the mentally retarded or mentally ill.<br />

(b) Chapter <strong>in</strong>applicable follow<strong>in</strong>g transfer.--The transfer term<strong>in</strong>ates the<br />

applicability of this chapter over the child with respect to the del<strong>in</strong>quent acts alleged <strong>in</strong> the<br />

petition.<br />

(c) Transfer at request of child.--The child may request that the case be transferred<br />

for prosecution <strong>in</strong> which event the court may order this chapter not applicable.<br />

54


(d) Effect of transfer from crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>gs.--No hear<strong>in</strong>g shall be conducted<br />

where this chapter becomes applicable because of a previous determ<strong>in</strong>ation by the court <strong>in</strong><br />

a crim<strong>in</strong>al proceed<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

(e) Murder and other excluded acts.--Where the petition alleges conduct which if<br />

proven would constitute murder, or any of the offenses excluded by paragraph (2)(ii) or (iii)<br />

of the def<strong>in</strong>ition of “del<strong>in</strong>quent act” <strong>in</strong> section 6302 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to def<strong>in</strong>itions), the court shall<br />

require the offense to be prosecuted under the crim<strong>in</strong>al law and procedures, except where<br />

the case has been transferred pursuant to section 6322 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to transfer from crim<strong>in</strong>al<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>gs) from the division or a judge of the court assigned to conduct crim<strong>in</strong>al<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

(f) Transfer action <strong>in</strong>terlocutory.--The decision of the court to transfer or not to<br />

transfer the case shall be <strong>in</strong>terlocutory.<br />

(g) Burden of proof.--The burden of establish<strong>in</strong>g by a preponderance of evidence<br />

that the public <strong>in</strong>terest is served by the transfer of the case to crim<strong>in</strong>al court and that a child<br />

is not amenable to treatment, supervision or rehabilitation as a juvenile shall rest with the<br />

Commonwealth unless the follow<strong>in</strong>g apply:<br />

(1) (i) a deadly weapon as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §2301 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to def<strong>in</strong>itions)<br />

was used and the child was 14 years of age at the time of the offense; or<br />

(ii) the child was 15 years of age or older at the time of the offense and was<br />

previously adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent of a crime that would be considered a felony if<br />

committed by an adult; and<br />

(2) there is a prima facie case that the child committed a del<strong>in</strong>quent act which, if<br />

committed by an adult, would be classified as rape, <strong>in</strong>voluntary deviate sexual<br />

<strong>in</strong>tercourse, aggravated assault as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §2702(a)(1) or (2) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

aggravated assault), robbery as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 18 Pa.C.S. §3701(a)(1)(i), (ii) or (iii) (relat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to robbery), robbery of motor vehicle, aggravated <strong>in</strong>decent assault, kidnapp<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

voluntary manslaughter, an attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit any of these<br />

crimes or an attempt to commit murder as specified <strong>in</strong> paragraph (2)(ii) of the def<strong>in</strong>ition<br />

of “del<strong>in</strong>quent act” <strong>in</strong> section 6302.<br />

If either of the preced<strong>in</strong>g criteria are met, the burden of establish<strong>in</strong>g by a preponderance of<br />

the evidence that reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the case under this chapter serves the public <strong>in</strong>terest and that<br />

the child is amenable to treatment, supervision or rehabilitation as a juvenile shall rest with<br />

the child.<br />

Cross References. Section 6355 is referred to <strong>in</strong> sections 6308, 6322 and 6339 of this<br />

title.<br />

55


§6356. Disposition of mentally ill or mentally retarded child<br />

If, at a dispositional hear<strong>in</strong>g of a child found to be a del<strong>in</strong>quent or at any hear<strong>in</strong>g, the<br />

evidence <strong>in</strong>dicates that the child may be subject to commitment or detention under the<br />

provisions of the act of October 20, 1966 (3rd Sp.Sess., P.L. 96, No. 6), known as the<br />

“Mental Health and Mental Retardation Act of 1966,” or the act of July 9, 1976 (P.L. 817,<br />

No. 143), known as the “Mental Health Procedures Act,” the court shall proceed under the<br />

provisions of the appropriate statute.<br />

§6357. Rights and duties of legal custodian<br />

A custodian to whom legal custody has been given by the court under this chapter has<br />

the right to the physical custody of the child, the right to determ<strong>in</strong>e the nature of the care<br />

and treatment of the child, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g ord<strong>in</strong>ary medical care and the right and duty to provide<br />

for the care, protection, tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, and education, and the physical, mental, and moral<br />

welfare of the child. An award of legal custody shall be subject to the conditions and<br />

limitations of the order and to the rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g rights and duties of the parents or guardian of<br />

the child as determ<strong>in</strong>ed by the court. The court may award legal custody under this section<br />

on a temporary basis to an <strong>in</strong>dividual or agency under section 6351(a)(2) (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

disposition of dependent child) or permanent basis to an <strong>in</strong>dividual under section<br />

6351(a)(2.1).<br />

Cross References. Section 6357 is referred to <strong>in</strong> section 6351 of this title.<br />

§6358. Assessment of del<strong>in</strong>quent children by the State<br />

Sexual Offenders Assessment Board<br />

(a) General rule.--A child who has been found to be del<strong>in</strong>quent for an act of sexual<br />

violence which if committed by an adult would be a violation of 18 Pa.C.S. §3121 (relat<strong>in</strong>g<br />

to rape), 3123 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>voluntary deviate sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse), 3124.1 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to sexual<br />

assault), 3125 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to aggravated <strong>in</strong>decent assault), 3126 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>decent assault)<br />

or 4302 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>in</strong>cest) who is committed to an <strong>in</strong>stitution or other facility pursuant to<br />

section 6352 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to disposition of del<strong>in</strong>quent child) and who rema<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> such facility<br />

upon atta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g 20 years of age shall be subject to an assessment by the board.<br />

(b) Duty of probation officer.--N<strong>in</strong>ety days prior to the 20 th birthday of the child, the<br />

probation officer shall have the duty to notify the board of the status of the del<strong>in</strong>quent child<br />

and the <strong>in</strong>stitution or other facility where the child is presently committed. The probation<br />

officer shall assist the board <strong>in</strong> obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g access to the child and any <strong>in</strong>formation required<br />

by the board to perform the assessment.<br />

(b.1) Notification to board.--The probation officer shall, with<strong>in</strong> five days of the effective<br />

date of this subsection, notify the board of any child whose age precludes compliance with<br />

subsection (b) provided the child has not yet atta<strong>in</strong>ed 21 years of age.<br />

56


(c) Assessment.--The board shall conduct an assessment, which shall <strong>in</strong>clude the<br />

board’s determ<strong>in</strong>ation of whether or not the child is <strong>in</strong> need of commitment for <strong>in</strong>voluntary<br />

treatment due to a mental abnormality as def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> section 6402 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to def<strong>in</strong>itions) or<br />

a personality disorder, either of which results <strong>in</strong> serious difficulty <strong>in</strong> controll<strong>in</strong>g sexually<br />

violent behavior. Upon the completion of the assessment pursuant to this section, the<br />

board shall provide the assessment to the court. In no case shall the board file the<br />

assessment later than 90 days after the child’s 20 th birthday unless notification of the board<br />

was delayed under subsection (b.1), <strong>in</strong> which case the assessment shall be filed no later<br />

than 180 days after the child’s 20 th birthday.<br />

(d) Duty of court.--The court shall provide a copy of the assessment by the board to<br />

the probation officer, the district attorney, county solicitor or designee and the child’s<br />

attorney.<br />

(e) Dispositional review hear<strong>in</strong>g.--Where the board has concluded that the child is<br />

<strong>in</strong> need of <strong>in</strong>voluntary treatment pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 64 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to courtordered<br />

<strong>in</strong>voluntary treatment of certa<strong>in</strong> sexually violent persons), the court shall conduct a<br />

hear<strong>in</strong>g at which the county solicitor or a designee, the probation officer and the child’s<br />

attorney are present. The court shall consider the assessment, treatment <strong>in</strong>formation and<br />

any other relevant <strong>in</strong>formation regard<strong>in</strong>g the del<strong>in</strong>quent child at the dispositional review<br />

hear<strong>in</strong>g pursuant to section 6353 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to limitation on and change <strong>in</strong> place of<br />

commitment), which shall be held no later than 180 days before the 21 st birthday of the<br />

child. Where the submission of the report was delayed pursuant to subsection (c), the<br />

dispositional review hear<strong>in</strong>g shall be held no later than 90 days before the 21 st birthday of<br />

the child.<br />

(f) Subsequent proceed<strong>in</strong>g.--If, at the conclusion of the dispositional review hear<strong>in</strong>g<br />

required <strong>in</strong> subsection (e), the court f<strong>in</strong>ds there is a prima facie case that the child is <strong>in</strong><br />

need of <strong>in</strong>voluntary treatment under the provisions of Chapter 64, the court shall direct that<br />

the county solicitor or a designee file a petition to <strong>in</strong>itiate proceed<strong>in</strong>gs under the provisions<br />

of that chapter.<br />

57


SUBCHAPTER E<br />

DISPOSITIONS AFFECTING OTHER JURISDICTIONS<br />

Section<br />

6361. Disposition of nonresident child.<br />

6362. Disposition of resident child received from another state.<br />

6363. Order<strong>in</strong>g foreign supervision.<br />

6364. Supervision under foreign order.<br />

6365. Powers of foreign probation officers.<br />

§6361. Disposition of nonresident child<br />

(a) General rule.--If the court f<strong>in</strong>ds that a child who has been adjudged to have<br />

committed a del<strong>in</strong>quent act or to be dependent is or is about to become a resident of<br />

another state which has adopted the Uniform <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Act, or a substantially similar<br />

law which <strong>in</strong>cludes provisions correspond<strong>in</strong>g to this section and section 6362 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

disposition of resident child received from another state), the court may defer hear<strong>in</strong>g on<br />

need of treatment and disposition and request by any appropriate means the appropriate<br />

court of the county or parish of the residence or prospective residence of the child to accept<br />

jurisdiction of the child.<br />

(b) Change of residence under court order.--If the child becomes a resident of<br />

another state while on probation or under protective supervision under order of a court of<br />

this Commonwealth, the court may request the court of the state <strong>in</strong> which the child has<br />

become a resident to accept jurisdiction of the child and to cont<strong>in</strong>ue his probation or<br />

protective supervision.<br />

(c) Procedure for transfer.--Upon receipt and fil<strong>in</strong>g of an acceptance the court of this<br />

Commonwealth shall transfer custody of the child to the accept<strong>in</strong>g court and cause him to<br />

be delivered to the person designated by that court to receive his custody. It also shall<br />

provide the accept<strong>in</strong>g court with certified copies of the order adjudg<strong>in</strong>g the child to be a<br />

del<strong>in</strong>quent, or dependent child, of the order of transfer, and if the child is on probation or<br />

under protective supervision under order of the court, of the order of disposition. It also<br />

shall provide the accept<strong>in</strong>g court with a statement of the facts found by the court of this<br />

Commonwealth and any recommendations and other <strong>in</strong>formation or documents it considers<br />

of assistance to that court <strong>in</strong> mak<strong>in</strong>g a disposition of the case or <strong>in</strong> supervis<strong>in</strong>g the child on<br />

probation or otherwise.<br />

(d) Effect of transfer to accept<strong>in</strong>g court.--Upon compliance with subsection (c) the<br />

jurisdiction of the court of this Commonwealth over the child is term<strong>in</strong>ated.<br />

Cross References. Section 6361 is referred to <strong>in</strong> section 6362 of this title.<br />

58


§6362. Disposition of resident child received from another state<br />

(a) General rule.--If a juvenile court of another state which has adopted the<br />

Uniform <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Act, or a substantially similar law which <strong>in</strong>cludes provisions<br />

correspond<strong>in</strong>g to section 6361 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to disposition of nonresident child) and this section,<br />

requests a court of this Commonwealth to accept jurisdiction of a child found by the<br />

request<strong>in</strong>g court to have committed a del<strong>in</strong>quent act or to be an unruly or dependent child,<br />

and the court of this Commonwealth f<strong>in</strong>ds, after <strong>in</strong>vestigation that the child is, or is about to<br />

become, a resident of a county for which the court is established, the court shall promptly<br />

and not later than 14 days after receiv<strong>in</strong>g the request issue its acceptance <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />

request<strong>in</strong>g court and direct its probation officer or other person designated by it to take<br />

physical custody of the child from the request<strong>in</strong>g court and br<strong>in</strong>g him before the court of this<br />

Commonwealth or make other appropriate provisions for his appearance before the court.<br />

(b) Hear<strong>in</strong>g on further disposition.--Upon the fil<strong>in</strong>g of certified copies of the orders<br />

of the request<strong>in</strong>g court:<br />

(1) determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g that the child committed a del<strong>in</strong>quent act or is an unruly or<br />

dependent child; and<br />

(2) committ<strong>in</strong>g the child to the jurisdiction of the court of this Commonwealth;<br />

The court of this Commonwealth shall immediately fix a time for a hear<strong>in</strong>g on the need for<br />

treatment, supervision or rehabilitation and disposition of the child or on the cont<strong>in</strong>uance of<br />

any probation or protective supervision.<br />

(c) Further proceed<strong>in</strong>gs.--The hear<strong>in</strong>g and notice thereof and all subsequent<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>gs are governed by this chapter. The court may make any order of disposition<br />

permitted by the facts and this chapter. The orders of the request<strong>in</strong>g court are conclusive<br />

that the child committed the del<strong>in</strong>quent act or is an unruly or dependent child and the facts<br />

found by the court <strong>in</strong> mak<strong>in</strong>g the orders. If the request<strong>in</strong>g court has made an order plac<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the child on probation or under protective supervision, a like order shall be entered by the<br />

court of this Commonwealth.<br />

Cross References. Section 6362 is referred to <strong>in</strong> sections 6321 and 6361 of this title.<br />

§6363. Order<strong>in</strong>g foreign supervision<br />

(a) General rule.--Subject to the provisions of this chapter govern<strong>in</strong>g dispositions and<br />

to the extent that funds are available the court may place a child <strong>in</strong> the custody of a suitable<br />

person <strong>in</strong> another state. On obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g the written consent of a juvenile court of another<br />

state which has adopted the Uniform <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Act or a substantially similar law, which<br />

<strong>in</strong>cludes provisions correspond<strong>in</strong>g to this section and section 6364 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to supervision<br />

under foreign order), the court of this Commonwealth may order that the child be placed<br />

59


under the supervision of a probation officer or other appropriate official designated by the<br />

accept<strong>in</strong>g court. One certified copy of the order shall be sent to the accept<strong>in</strong>g court and<br />

another filed with the clerk of the request<strong>in</strong>g court of this Commonwealth.<br />

(b) Costs and expenses.--The reasonable cost of the supervision, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

expenses of necessary travel, shall be borne <strong>in</strong>itially by the county of the request<strong>in</strong>g court<br />

of this Commonwealth. Upon receiv<strong>in</strong>g a certified statement signed by the judge of the<br />

accept<strong>in</strong>g court of the cost <strong>in</strong>curred by the supervision the court of this Commonwealth<br />

shall certify if it so appears that the sum so stated was reasonably <strong>in</strong>curred and file it with<br />

the county for payment. The county shall thereupon make payment of the sum approved to<br />

the appropriate officials of the county or parish of the accept<strong>in</strong>g court.<br />

Cross References. Section 6363 is referred to <strong>in</strong> sections 6351, 6352, 6364 of this title.<br />

§6364. Supervision under foreign order<br />

(a) General rule.--Upon receiv<strong>in</strong>g a request of a juvenile court of another state which<br />

has adopted the Uniform <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Act, or a substantially similar law which <strong>in</strong>cludes<br />

provisions correspond<strong>in</strong>g to section 6363 (relat<strong>in</strong>g to order<strong>in</strong>g foreign supervision) and this<br />

section to provide supervision of a child under the jurisdiction of that court, a court of this<br />

Commonwealth may issue its written acceptance to the request<strong>in</strong>g court and designate its<br />

probation or other appropriate officer who is to provide supervision, stat<strong>in</strong>g the probable<br />

cost per day therefor.<br />

(b) Supervision and report.--Upon the receipt and fil<strong>in</strong>g of a certified copy of the<br />

order of the request<strong>in</strong>g court plac<strong>in</strong>g the child under the supervision of the officer so<br />

designated the officer shall arrange for the reception of the child from the request<strong>in</strong>g court,<br />

provide supervision pursuant to the order and this chapter, and report thereon from time to<br />

time together with any recommendations he may have to the request<strong>in</strong>g court.<br />

(c) Costs and expenses.--The court of this Commonwealth from time to time shall<br />

certify to the request<strong>in</strong>g court the cost of supervision that has been <strong>in</strong>curred and request<br />

payment therefor from the appropriate officials of the county or parish of the request<strong>in</strong>g<br />

court to the county of the accept<strong>in</strong>g court.<br />

(d) Term<strong>in</strong>ation of supervision.--The court of this Commonwealth at any time may<br />

term<strong>in</strong>ate supervision by notify<strong>in</strong>g the request<strong>in</strong>g court. In that case, or if the supervision is<br />

term<strong>in</strong>ated by the request<strong>in</strong>g court, the probation officer supervis<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

child shall return the child to a representative of the request<strong>in</strong>g court authorized to receive<br />

him.<br />

Cross References. Section 6364 is referred to <strong>in</strong> sections 6321 and 6363 of this title.<br />

60


§6365. Powers of foreign probation officers<br />

If a child has been placed on probation or protective supervision by a juvenile court of<br />

another state which has adopted the Uniform <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court Act or a substantially similar<br />

law which <strong>in</strong>cludes provisions correspond<strong>in</strong>g to this section, and the child is <strong>in</strong> this<br />

Commonwealth with or without the permission of that court, the probation officer of that<br />

court or other person designated by that court to supervise or take custody of the child has<br />

all the powers and privileges <strong>in</strong> this Commonwealth with respect to the child as given by<br />

this chapter to like officers or persons of this Commonwealth <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the right of visitation,<br />

counsel<strong>in</strong>g, control, and direction, tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to custody, and return<strong>in</strong>g to that state.<br />

61


State Case Law<br />

______<br />

Adjudication of Del<strong>in</strong>quency v. Consent Decree<br />

Transfer to/from Adult Court<br />

SORNA v. Megan‟s Law<br />

Restitution Test<br />

Case Dismissal<br />

Mandatory M<strong>in</strong>imum Sentences<br />

Involuntary Mental Health Commitments<br />

Deprivation proceed<strong>in</strong>gs: Open/ Closed


Adjudication of Del<strong>in</strong>quency v. Consent Decree<br />

COM. v. S.M.<br />

769 A.2d 542 (2001)<br />

COMMONWEALTH of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>, Appellant,<br />

v.<br />

S.M., Appellee.<br />

Superior Court of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>.<br />

Argued January 31, 2001.<br />

Filed March 2, 2001.<br />

Personal Notes: In PA, the Prosecutor & Defense can agree to place a case <strong>in</strong> “Abeyance” (on hold) pend<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

outcome of a ∆’s successful completion of special conditions via a written, Court Approved, Consent Decree.<br />

Clayton Co. GA accomplishes this same th<strong>in</strong>g for eligible ∆’s via “Informal” [Adjustment] K’s,<br />

but will defer adjudicatory hear<strong>in</strong>g pend<strong>in</strong>g the outcome of the ∆’s performance under the<br />

Informal Agt (conditions for Abeyance).<br />

Facts: ∆ admitted, @ Adjudicatory Hear<strong>in</strong>g, to <strong>in</strong>decent assault & agg assault, & the Juv. Ct. placed him on<br />

Supervised Probation, but at the same time wanted to defer Adjudication of Del<strong>in</strong>quency.<br />

The <strong>Juvenile</strong> Ct. didn’t want to adjudicate the juv. Del<strong>in</strong>quent, even though the adjudicatory hear<strong>in</strong>g had already<br />

been conducted. The Court wanted to defer the adjudication b/c of the juvenile’s performance (which must have<br />

been pretty positive) dur<strong>in</strong>g the wait<strong>in</strong>g/ probationary period.<br />

This w/be analogous to putt<strong>in</strong>g an adult ∆ on Probation w/out a Trial.<br />

Issue:<br />

Rule:<br />

Analysis:<br />

Whether a Juv. Ct. can defer adjudication once the hear<strong>in</strong>g has already been conducted.<br />

The only Pre-Adjudication disposition PA recognizes is the Consent Decree (Agt btw the π & ∆).<br />

- Dist. Atty can object to a Consent Decree & thereby force an Adjudicatory Hear<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Purpose and procedures <strong>in</strong> the Juv. System differ significantly from the adult system.<br />

- Purpose of Juv. Is to seek treatment reformation and rehabilitation... not to punish...<br />

Conclusion:<br />

A Petition alleg<strong>in</strong>g that a child is del<strong>in</strong>quent must be disposed of <strong>in</strong> accordance with the <strong>Juvenile</strong><br />

Act.<br />

Notes: Standard of Proof @ the Adjudicatory hear<strong>in</strong>g is “Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt”, same as <strong>in</strong> an Adult<br />

Trial.<br />

But see: “Consent Decree”, where Court can “Suspend” proceed<strong>in</strong>gs and “cont<strong>in</strong>ue the child under<br />

supervision” under conditions negotiated w/ Probation Dept.<br />

If the π objects to a Consent Decree, the Court only has three options:<br />

1. Dismiss the case (for lack of evidence); or<br />

2. Adjudicate the ∆ del<strong>in</strong>quent; or<br />

3. Certify the ∆ as an adult & send the case to Adult Ct.


Transfer to/from Adult Court<br />

COM. v. ZOLLER<br />

345 Pa.Super. 350 (1985)<br />

498 A.2d 436<br />

COMMONWEALTH of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

v.<br />

Robby Lee ZOLLER, Appellant.<br />

COMMONWEALTH of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

v.<br />

Michael Eugene FAHNESTOCK, Appellant.<br />

Supreme Court of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>.<br />

Argued May 2, 1985.<br />

Filed September 6, 1985.<br />

Robbie Zoller (15), together with Michael Fahnestock (15) killed Ronald Harder (46), Zoeller’s lover and were<br />

charged as adults. They pled to third-degree murder, but when they realized the Adult Court was about to impose a<br />

10-20 year sentence on each for the murder, both juveniles petitioned the Court to move the case to <strong>Juvenile</strong>. The<br />

Adult Court denied the motion and both ∆’s appealed.<br />

Issue:<br />

Rul<strong>in</strong>g:<br />

Whether transfer from Adult Court to <strong>Juvenile</strong> is a “matter of right”.<br />

transfer from Adult to <strong>Juvenile</strong> Court “is not a matter of right”. Only “gross abuse” of the broad<br />

discretion of the hear<strong>in</strong>g judge will operate to help a ∆ argue for a transfer to <strong>Juvenile</strong> ct. ∆ m/<br />

show:<br />

1. unsound discretion; or<br />

2. ill-will; or<br />

3. mis-application of law.<br />

Analysis:<br />

Need for “legal restra<strong>in</strong>t” outweighs need for treatment <strong>in</strong> the <strong>Juvenile</strong> system when:<br />

1. Premeditated, vicious nature of the crime;<br />

2. Lack of remorse for the victim.<br />

∆ had a seriously deprived childhood, but so do a lot of people who don’t end-up committ<strong>in</strong>g<br />

murder.<br />

Also, 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 6322(a) says “...may be transferred...”<br />

The <strong>Juvenile</strong> system c/ only exercise jd. over the boys until 21, regardless of whether ∆’s still pose<br />

a threat to society. Expert testimony showed that may not have been sufficient time to rehabilitate<br />

them from their severe issues & protect the public. The expert psychiatrist believed 5 years might<br />

be enough time, but could not guarantee it.<br />

Conclusion:<br />

Test is:<br />

1. Seriousness of the crime; and<br />

2. Whether <strong>Juvenile</strong> resources are sufficient to treat the condition; and<br />

3. Whether public protection warrants longer <strong>in</strong>stitutionalized placement than the Juv. Ct. w/<br />

allow.


SORNA v. Megan’s Law II<br />

COM. v. FLEMING<br />

801 A.2d 1234 (2002)<br />

COMMONWEALTH of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>, Appellee,<br />

v.<br />

Timothy Scott FLEMING, Appellant.<br />

Superior Court of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>.<br />

Argued November 28, 2001.<br />

Filed June 17, 2002.<br />

Facts:<br />

Appellant pled guilty to one count of attempted crim<strong>in</strong>al homicide 1 and one count of <strong>in</strong>voluntary deviate<br />

sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse for an <strong>in</strong>cident that occurred on September 18, 1999, <strong>in</strong> which Appellant forced his penis<br />

<strong>in</strong>to the mouth of a ten-year-old girl and then choked her until she was rendered unconscious.<br />

Part of ∆’s sentence was a mandate per the PA Megan’s Law II that he register for life due to the serious<br />

nature of the crimes. Appellant filed a Motion for Modification of Sentence where<strong>in</strong> he asserted that he<br />

should be subjected to a registration requirement of only ten years.<br />

Issue:<br />

Whether the statutory lifetime registration requirement constitutes “punishment” for certa<strong>in</strong> classifications<br />

of sex offenders.<br />

Whether the registration requirement applies to ∆’s whose crimes occurred before the statute became<br />

effective (ex post facto).<br />

Rule:<br />

Under the Artway/Verniero test, a statutory provision will be considered punishment where any of the<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g three (3) criterion are found:<br />

(1) the legislature's actual purpose is punishment,<br />

(2) the objective purpose is punishment, or<br />

(3) the effect of the statute is so harsh that `as a matter of degree' it constitutes punishment."<br />

Analysis:<br />

The legislative <strong>in</strong>tent for Megan’s Law II was not punitive, but rather Public Safety.<br />

"the legislature's stated <strong>in</strong>tent was to provide a system of registration and notification so that<br />

relevant <strong>in</strong>formation would be available to state and local law enforcement officials <strong>in</strong> order to<br />

protect the safety and general welfare of the public." Commonwealth v. Gaffney, 557 Pa. 327,<br />

733 A.2d 616 (1999).<br />

"registration is a common and long stand<strong>in</strong>g regulatory technique with a remedial<br />

purpose." (remedial purpose of know<strong>in</strong>g the whereabouts of sex offenders )<br />

Conclusion:<br />

the registration requirements of Megan's Law II do not serve to punish the offender but to help<br />

ensure the safety of the public.<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>gly, we conclude that the lifetime registration provision set forth <strong>in</strong> Megan's Law II, as<br />

applied to Appellant as a sexual offender, is not an ex post facto violation of the United States<br />

Constitution.


Restitution<br />

IN RE B.T.C.<br />

868 A.2d 1203 (2005)<br />

In the Interest of: B.T.C., a M<strong>in</strong>or.<br />

Appeal of: B.T.C., a M<strong>in</strong>or.<br />

Superior Court of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>.<br />

Argued October 26, 2004.<br />

Filed January 21, 2005.<br />

Reargument Denied March 28, 2005.<br />

Facts:<br />

∆ attempted to pass another vehicle <strong>in</strong> a "Do Not Pass" zone. He lost control of his vehicle and collided<br />

with another car, kill<strong>in</strong>g both occupants. As a result, B.T.C. was charged with two counts of homicide by<br />

motor vehicle and four summary offenses.<br />

Adjudication of del<strong>in</strong>quency for two counts of homicide by vehicle, reckless driv<strong>in</strong>g, no pass<strong>in</strong>g<br />

zones, driv<strong>in</strong>g a vehicle at safe speed, and careless driv<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Court ordered:<br />

1. Probation;<br />

2. 400 hrs Community Svs; and<br />

3. Restitution of $17,188.00 (both Victim’s Funeral Expenses).<br />

Issue:<br />

Rule:<br />

Whether the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Ct can impose Restitution<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> Ct can impose Restitution, if warranted, after consider<strong>in</strong>g:<br />

1. Nature of the del<strong>in</strong>quent act; and<br />

2. Earn<strong>in</strong>g capacity of the ∆<br />

Analysis:<br />

Where the “Rehabilitative Goal” can be l<strong>in</strong>ked to the required Restitution (Plan for Rehabilitation);<br />

The “Rehabilitative Purpose” of the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Act is atta<strong>in</strong>ed through accountability and the<br />

development of personal qualities that will enable the juvenile offender to become a responsible and<br />

productive member of the community.<br />

One of the purposes of the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Act is to hold children accountable for their behavior. Accord<strong>in</strong>gly,<br />

the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Act authorizes the court to "order[ ] payment by the child of reasonable amounts of money<br />

as f<strong>in</strong>es, costs or restitution as deemed appropriate as part of the plan of rehabilitation concern<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

nature of the acts committed and the earn<strong>in</strong>g capacity of the child.<br />

Conclusion:<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> Act grants Juv. Ct. broad discretion.<br />

Superior Ct will not reverse the Juv Ct w/out a show<strong>in</strong>g of a “manifest abuse of discretion”.


Dismissal<br />

IN RE R.W.<br />

855 A.2d 107 (2004)<br />

In the Interest of R.W.<br />

Commonwealth of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>, Appellant.<br />

Superior Court of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>.<br />

Argued February 24, 2004.<br />

Filed July 21, 2004.<br />

Facts:<br />

Issue:<br />

Rule:<br />

R.W., who was 16 years old at the time, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled<br />

substance, namely, marijuana, under 35 P.S. § 780-113(a)(16) and (31). At an adjudicatory hear<strong>in</strong>g on<br />

January 9, 2003, prior to the Commonwealth's presentation of evidence, the Honorable Robert J. Rebstock<br />

dismissed sua sponte the charges aga<strong>in</strong>st R.W. on the grounds that R.W.'s conduct was de m<strong>in</strong>imus<br />

Whether Judge’s “blanket dismissal” of certa<strong>in</strong> categories of factual allegations constitutes an abuse of<br />

judicial discretion.<br />

The PA <strong>Juvenile</strong> Act requires the trial judge to consider the protection of the public <strong>in</strong>terest, and to fashion<br />

a sentence which is best suited to the child’s treatment, supervision, rehabilitation and welfare, under the<br />

<strong>in</strong>dividual circumstances of each child’s case.<br />

Analysis:<br />

PA law (Pa.C.S.A. § 312(a)) allows Court “to remove petty <strong>in</strong>fractions” from its docket where a<br />

∆’s conduct is deemed “too <strong>in</strong>significant to warrant a conviction.”<br />

Never-the-less, judge cannot just have a “blanket policy” or procedure, and protocol m/ be<br />

followed for every case; not do<strong>in</strong>g so violates the very purpose of the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Act.<br />

- Dispositions m/ be tailored to each case;<br />

- Blanket policy for dismissals is a “manifest abuse of [Judicial] discretion”.”<br />

PA law will only endorse a policy of “<strong>in</strong>determ<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>in</strong>dividualized sentenc<strong>in</strong>g”.<br />

- Judges can’t dismiss cases, or for that matter only impose maximum sentences either, based<br />

solely on Compla<strong>in</strong>t allegations w/out a hear<strong>in</strong>g/ trial/ adjudication (totality of circumstances<br />

m/ be considered).<br />

Conclusion:<br />

In dismiss<strong>in</strong>g the case w/out a hear<strong>in</strong>g, Judge Rebstock failed to consider:<br />

1. Public protection; and<br />

2. Young R.W.’s possible need for treatment, supervision, rehabilitation or welfare.<br />

a. the <strong>in</strong>dividual circumstances of each ∆ m/ taken <strong>in</strong>to consideration.


Involuntary Mental Health Commitments<br />

IN RE S.A.<br />

925 A.2d 838 (2007)<br />

In re S.A.<br />

Appeal of S.A.<br />

Superior Court of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>.<br />

Argued November 14, 2006.<br />

Filed May 17, 2007.<br />

∆, (14), w/ adjudicated del<strong>in</strong>quent on two counts of <strong>in</strong>decent assault and directed to undergo a M/H evaluation.<br />

Thereafter, ∆ w/ placed <strong>in</strong> a specialized sex-offender treatment program.<br />

Due to ∆’s abscond<strong>in</strong>g from placement while <strong>in</strong> this program, an emergency detention hear<strong>in</strong>g was held and<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g the hear<strong>in</strong>g, ∆ was <strong>in</strong>voluntarily transferred to an <strong>in</strong>patient Sex Offenders Program. 1<br />

Issue:<br />

Rule:<br />

Whether the state statute authoriz<strong>in</strong>g the Involuntary M/H commitment of the ∆ (Act 21) 2 w/ constitutional.<br />

A constitutionality challenge to a state statute requires determ<strong>in</strong>ation as to whether the law is “punitive”. If<br />

so, the next step is to determ<strong>in</strong>e the category of human rights the law effects, then how it m/ be construed:<br />

1. Strict Construction if the law effects a fundamental right (“Compell<strong>in</strong>g State Interest” test);<br />

2. Heightened Scrut<strong>in</strong>y if the law effects an “important” right (“Important Government Purpose” test);<br />

3. Rational Basis test if the law effects another category of rights (“Reasonable Relationship” test).<br />

Analysis:<br />

Act 21 is not punitive b/c its legislative <strong>in</strong>tent (statutory purpose) is to establish Civil Commitment<br />

procedures to provide necessary treatment to sexually violent children and to protect the public...<br />

Public Safety is the “Compell<strong>in</strong>g State Interest”, and therefore the statute is constitutional.<br />

Note: GA has a similar procedure called a “1013”. The 1013 is broader <strong>in</strong> scope though, and is used<br />

for more than just sex crimes; it can come <strong>in</strong>to play whenever a ∆ is “homicidal” or “suicidal” for any<br />

reason.<br />

“Clear & Conv<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>g” evidence m/ show:<br />

1. Medical Abnormality;<br />

2. Personality Disorder;<br />

3. Serious Difficulty controll<strong>in</strong>g sexually violent behavior;<br />

a. Likelihood that ∆ w/ engage <strong>in</strong> act(s) of sexual violence<br />

Conclusion:<br />

The Court, by clear and conv<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>g evidence, found that ∆ had a medical abnormality, or<br />

personality disorder, which resultd <strong>in</strong> serious difficulty <strong>in</strong> controll<strong>in</strong>g sexually violent behavior<br />

that made the ∆ likely to engage <strong>in</strong> acts of sexual violence and directed the immediate<br />

commitment of ∆ for <strong>in</strong>patient <strong>in</strong>voluntary treatment to a facility.<br />

1 PA Act 21 (aka “Chapter 64”) amended the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Act to provide for the assessment and civil commitment of certa<strong>in</strong> sexually violent<br />

juveniles. The Act requires that the State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board ("the Board") evaluate specified juveniles before they leave the<br />

jurisdiction of the juvenile system. 42 Pa. C.S. §§ 6302, 6358(a). The juveniles to be evaluated are those, (1) who have been found del<strong>in</strong>quent for<br />

an act of sexual violence; (2) who have been committed to an <strong>in</strong>stitution or facility pursuant to the <strong>Juvenile</strong> Act; and, (3) who rema<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> that<br />

facility on their 20th birthdays. 42 Pa.C.S. § 6358(a).<br />

2 Id.


Deprivation Proceed<strong>in</strong>gs: Open/ Closed<br />

IN RE M.B.<br />

819 A.2d 59 (2003)<br />

In the Interest of: M.B., born 10/10/88 J.B., born 2/14/94.<br />

Appeal of: PG Publish<strong>in</strong>g Company d/b/a The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.<br />

Superior Court of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>.<br />

Argued October 23, 2002.<br />

Filed February 26, 2003.<br />

Facts:<br />

Issue:<br />

Rule:<br />

Publish<strong>in</strong>g Company w/ denied access to juvenile dependency proceed<strong>in</strong>gs closed<br />

by the judge due to the sensitive nature of evidence presented (family member<br />

murdered; open-court traumatiz<strong>in</strong>g testimony by juvenile sibl<strong>in</strong>gs).<br />

Whether juvenile dependency proceed<strong>in</strong>gs may be closed to the press and the<br />

general public.<br />

While there is a rebuttable constitutional presumption that juvenile dependency<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>gs are open to the public, the courts possess an <strong>in</strong>herent power to control<br />

access to their proceed<strong>in</strong>gs and may deny access when appropriate. Closure m/:<br />

1. Serve an important government <strong>in</strong>terest;<br />

2. No less-restrictive means exist to serve that <strong>in</strong>terest;<br />

3. The <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> secrecy m/ outweigh the presumption of openness.<br />

Court can deny public access <strong>in</strong> order to:<br />

1. Prevent overcrowd<strong>in</strong>g;<br />

2. Ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> proper decorum;<br />

3. Special circumstances.<br />

C/W v. Stilley, 455 PA.Super 543, 689 A.2d 242 (1997)<br />

Analysis:<br />

Once an <strong>in</strong>terested party seeks access, however, the party seek<strong>in</strong>g to keep the<br />

proceed<strong>in</strong>gs closed may rebut the presumption of openness by demonstrat<strong>in</strong>g that:<br />

1. Closure serves a compell<strong>in</strong>g governmental <strong>in</strong>terest, and<br />

2. No less restrictive means to serve that <strong>in</strong>terest exists.<br />

Compell<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terest here is <strong>in</strong> protect<strong>in</strong>g the privacy rights of the children<br />

<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the proceed<strong>in</strong>g (their sister w/ murdered (trauma) and they’d been<br />

forced to testify about some very traumatic th<strong>in</strong>gs dur<strong>in</strong>g the trial of the ∆.<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> Court proceed<strong>in</strong>gs have traditionally been closed to the public;


Purpose of Dependency (aka Deprivation) proceed<strong>in</strong>gs is to protect m<strong>in</strong>or<br />

children;<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> Dependency proceed<strong>in</strong>gs are meant to be non-adversarial, <strong>in</strong>formal and<br />

private;<br />

Inquisitorial model, not an adversarial one;<br />

The Trial Court took only a “black letter” view of PA. Const. Art. I, § 11, which<br />

w/ correct, however state case law has deemed the presumptive right to openness<br />

NOT ABSOLUTE;<br />

Court can keep any record from the public so as not to jeopardize an ongo<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong>vestigation...<br />

Every aspect of this case c/ have potentially exposed “extraord<strong>in</strong>arily sensitive”<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation.<br />

<strong>Juvenile</strong> proceed<strong>in</strong>gs have traditionally been closed to the public <strong>in</strong> most<br />

jurisdictions, United States v. A.D., 28 F.3d 1353 (3d Cir. 1994)<br />

Conclusion: Although the PA Const. Art. 1, § 11 states that “all Courts shall be open”, this<br />

presumption has often been held not to apply to <strong>Juvenile</strong> matters.<br />

______<br />

Personal Note: The Trial Court <strong>in</strong> this case made an extraord<strong>in</strong>arily excellent record of its<br />

reasons for not allow<strong>in</strong>g Press access to the proceed<strong>in</strong>gs; the Appellate Court<br />

seemed to have a lot to work with.<br />

- No abuse of discretion by the Trial Court.


Expungements<br />

& Pardons


EXPUNGEMENT<br />

A GUIDE TO EXPUNGING<br />

YOUR CRIMINAL AND/OR<br />

JUVENILE RECORD<br />

Student Legal Services<br />

The <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> State University<br />

120 Boucke Build<strong>in</strong>g<br />

University Park, PA 16802<br />

Phone: 814-867-4388<br />

Fax: 814-863-7357<br />

http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/legalservices/<br />

Office Hours<br />

8:00am-5:00pm<br />

Monday-Friday


Table of Contents<br />

I. What is this Booklet About?<br />

II. What is Expungement?<br />

III. Def<strong>in</strong>ition of Terms<br />

IV. Legal Aid Resources<br />

a. In-Person Resources<br />

b. Onl<strong>in</strong>e Resources<br />

V. Th<strong>in</strong>gs to Know if You Represent Yourself<br />

VI. Eligibility<br />

VII. How to File a Petition for Expungement<br />

a. Locate Your Records<br />

b. Where to File Your Petition<br />

c. Components of a Complete Petition<br />

d. The Forms You Will Need, Examples of Them, and How<br />

to Fill Them Out<br />

i. ARD Expungement Form<br />

VIII.<br />

ii. Summary <strong>Cases</strong> Expungement Form<br />

iii. Court <strong>Cases</strong> Expungement Form<br />

e. Payment<br />

f. Timeframe<br />

List of Offices and Contact Information Needed to File Your<br />

Petition<br />

Page | 2


I. What is this Booklet About?<br />

This booklet is a guide to how you can successfully expunge your crim<strong>in</strong>al and/or juvenile<br />

record. It will educate you as to the legal mean<strong>in</strong>g of expungement and other terms that you<br />

will encounter. This booklet will also provide you with <strong>in</strong>formation regard<strong>in</strong>g legal aid resources<br />

and what you need to know if you choose to represent yourself, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g how to file a petition<br />

for expungement, what forms you will need, where to f<strong>in</strong>d them, how to fill them out, and how<br />

and where to file them.<br />

This guide will provide direct <strong>in</strong>structions and examples for fil<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Centre County,<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong>. For up-to-date fil<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong> other counties or states, you will need to<br />

contact the prothonotary and clerk of court’s office for the county <strong>in</strong> which the record you wish<br />

to expunge is located.<br />

This guide can only provide you with general <strong>in</strong>formation and <strong>in</strong>structions. It is<br />

not a substitute for consult<strong>in</strong>g with an attorney. If you have specific questions<br />

regard<strong>in</strong>g expungement <strong>in</strong> your case, we encourage you to contact an attorney.<br />

II.<br />

What is Expungement?<br />

Expungement is a civil law process through which some prior crim<strong>in</strong>al offenses can be<br />

removed from your record. After your crim<strong>in</strong>al offenses are expunged, they will not appear on<br />

background checks. However, law enforcement officials and courts will still be able to access the<br />

expunged <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong> order to determ<strong>in</strong>e your eligibility for alternative punishment programs<br />

and future offenses.<br />

The legal source of expungement <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> is 18 Pa.C.S.A. §9122. The<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Rules of Crim<strong>in</strong>al Procedure provide <strong>in</strong>struction and petition forms for<br />

expungement <strong>in</strong> different scenarios. Pa.R.Crim.P. Rule 320 governs expungement upon<br />

successful completion of an ARD program. Pa.R.Crim.P. Rule 490 expla<strong>in</strong>s the procedure for<br />

obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g expungement <strong>in</strong> summary cases. Pa.R.Crim.P. Rule 790 outl<strong>in</strong>es the procedure for<br />

obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g expungement <strong>in</strong> court cases.<br />

Currently, there is no form for expungement of juvenile records. If you have questions<br />

about expung<strong>in</strong>g a juvenile adjudication, please contact an attorney or Penn State’s Student<br />

Legal Services.<br />

III.<br />

Def<strong>in</strong>ition of Terms<br />

The follow<strong>in</strong>g are some def<strong>in</strong>itions for terms used throughout this guide.<br />

Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD)<br />

ARD is a pre-trial <strong>in</strong>tervention program that is offered <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>. ARD<br />

is a rehabilitative program and it is not a conviction of any crime. ARD is applicable<br />

to certa<strong>in</strong> first-time offenders fac<strong>in</strong>g disposition of a non-violent offense. The<br />

District Attorney’s Office establishes the eligibility criteria for ARD programs and<br />

must approve a specific application for ARD made by the offender.<br />

Court Case<br />

The term court case refers to misdemeanors and other cases that are heard<br />

before the Court of Common Pleas of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>.<br />

Page | 3


Disposition<br />

The disposition of a case is the court's f<strong>in</strong>al determ<strong>in</strong>ation of a lawsuit or<br />

crim<strong>in</strong>al charge.<br />

Offense Track<strong>in</strong>g Number (OTN)<br />

The Offense Track<strong>in</strong>g Number is a unique number assigned by the court to a<br />

particular arrest at the time of arraignment.<br />

Primary Case<br />

The term primary case is used <strong>in</strong> this booklet and on the expungement<br />

petition forms to refer to the court case that you now seek to expunge.<br />

Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts<br />

The prothonotary and clerk of courts’ office keeps Civil and Crim<strong>in</strong>al records<br />

for the Court of Common Pleas. All documents that you will need to file must be<br />

filed through the prothonotary and clerk of courts’ office for the county <strong>in</strong> which the<br />

record you wish to expunge is located.<br />

You can f<strong>in</strong>d the address and phone number for the prothonotary and clerk of<br />

courts’ office that you will need by do<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>ternet search for “prothonotary and<br />

clerk of courts” and the county <strong>in</strong> which you need to file. For example, if you enter<br />

“Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts Centre County <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>” you will f<strong>in</strong>d a l<strong>in</strong>k<br />

to the Centre County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts’ office website.<br />

Contact <strong>in</strong>formation for the Centre County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts:<br />

Address:<br />

Centre County Courthouse<br />

Bellefonte PA 16823-1488<br />

Phone: (814) 355-6796<br />

Hours:<br />

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.<br />

Monday – Friday<br />

Pro Se<br />

Pro se is a Lat<strong>in</strong> term that means that a person is represent<strong>in</strong>g his or herself<br />

and does not have a lawyer.<br />

Record of an Offense or Crim<strong>in</strong>al Record<br />

A record of an offense or crim<strong>in</strong>al record is the physical record of crimes that<br />

you have been convicted of. When employers run a background check, they search<br />

your crim<strong>in</strong>al record for any offenses. The expungement process can help you by<br />

effectively delet<strong>in</strong>g portions of your record that are eligible.<br />

You will need <strong>in</strong>formation from your crim<strong>in</strong>al record <strong>in</strong> order to complete your<br />

petition for expungement correctly. If you do not have an accurate or complete<br />

personal record of your crim<strong>in</strong>al history, you can access your crim<strong>in</strong>al record<br />

through the <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> State Police’s website. You may also consult the public<br />

docket sheet through the Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative Office of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Courts website.<br />

Please see Section IV(b) of this booklet for these website addresses.<br />

Page | 4


Summary Case/Offense<br />

A summary case or summary offense is a m<strong>in</strong>or crime that may be tried by a<br />

judge without a jury. In Centre County, <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>, summary cases are heard<br />

before Magisterial District Judges. Issues like underage dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g, obstruction of the<br />

highway, traffic tickets, and contempt of court are summary offenses. Usually,<br />

summary offenses result <strong>in</strong> the payment of a f<strong>in</strong>e. However, it is possible for<br />

defendants charged with some summary offenses to receive up to 90 days <strong>in</strong> jail.<br />

IV.<br />

Legal Aid Resources<br />

a. In-Person Resources<br />

Penn State’s Student Legal Services can help you:<br />

(1) Determ<strong>in</strong>e whether you are eligible for expungement;<br />

(2) Fill-out and file expungement forms; and<br />

(3) If necessary, represent you <strong>in</strong> expungement proceed<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />

By schedul<strong>in</strong>g an appo<strong>in</strong>tment with Student Legal Services, you can receive free<br />

legal guidance.<br />

b. Onl<strong>in</strong>e Resources— L<strong>in</strong>ks to Necessary and Helpful Websites<br />

i. Penn State’s Student Legal Services<br />

http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/legalservices/<br />

ii. The Centre County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts’ Website<br />

Expungement forms specific to Centre County can be found at:<br />

http://centrecountypa.gov/<strong>in</strong>dex.aspx?NID=387<br />

iii. The Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative Office of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Courts<br />

The necessary expungement forms may also be found at:<br />

http://www.pacourts.us/forms/for-the-public<br />

iv. <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Judiciary's Web Application Portal<br />

For other help complet<strong>in</strong>g your petition for expungement and to access public<br />

docket sheets you can go to:<br />

http://ujsportal.pacourts.us<br />

Page | 5


v. The <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> State Police Website<br />

To access your crim<strong>in</strong>al history report or run a background check on yourself,<br />

go to:<br />

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=4<br />

451&&PageID=458621&level=2&css=L2&mode=2<br />

V. Th<strong>in</strong>gs to Know if You Represent Yourself<br />

a. Interactions with the Court<br />

You have a legal right to represent yourself, but you should be aware that<br />

the court will not give you any special treatment or help. There are some situations<br />

<strong>in</strong> which a person seek<strong>in</strong>g expungement will have to appear <strong>in</strong> court. If you do<br />

appear <strong>in</strong> court, you will be expected to know and abide by court rules and<br />

procedure.<br />

A helpful tip for the courtroom is to always dress professionally. Wear your<br />

most professional clothes, as if you were go<strong>in</strong>g to an <strong>in</strong>terview for a job.<br />

Appearance can matter <strong>in</strong> court. You want to convey to the judge that you are a<br />

responsible person, who deserves to have his or her record expunged.<br />

b. Keep Copies of All Documents<br />

You should make and keep copies of all completed forms and documents<br />

related to your primary case and your petition for expungement. This <strong>in</strong>cludes<br />

proof of payment, such as money orders and checks.<br />

VI.<br />

Eligibility<br />

Each type of expungement has different eligibility requirements. Some eligibility<br />

requirements are written on the <strong>in</strong>structions for each <strong>in</strong>dividual expungement petition that you<br />

file. Penn State’s Student Legal Services can help you determ<strong>in</strong>e whether your record is eligible<br />

for expungement. The prothonotary and clerk of courts’ office will probably not tell you whether<br />

your record is eligible for expungement because that determ<strong>in</strong>ation would be considered legal<br />

advice, which the prothonotary and clerk of courts is not licensed to give.<br />

a. ARD Expungement (Rule 320)—To be eligible for ARD<br />

expungement you must have:<br />

(1) Satisfactorily completed the ARD program for the charge that you<br />

wish to expunge; AND<br />

(2) Paid all costs, <strong>in</strong> full.<br />

In certa<strong>in</strong> circumstances, some ARD records cannot be expunged. If you<br />

have any questions about whether your ARD records can be expunged, you should<br />

consult an attorney.<br />

Page | 6


If you want to verify that you have paid all costs, you may contact the<br />

prothonotary and clerk of courts’ office, or you may check the public docket sheet.<br />

b. Expungement <strong>in</strong> Summary <strong>Cases</strong> (Rule 490)—You are<br />

eligible for expungement <strong>in</strong> summary cases if:<br />

(1) You have been convicted of or pled guilty to a summary offense <strong>in</strong><br />

Centre County; AND<br />

You have not been arrested or prosecuted for any crime (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />

summary offenses) <strong>in</strong> any county <strong>in</strong> the five years s<strong>in</strong>ce be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

convicted of the offense that you wish to expunge*;<br />

OR<br />

(2) You have completed an alternative punishment program for the<br />

offense that you wish to expunge;<br />

OR<br />

(3) The citation was otherwise dismissed.<br />

*In Centre County, the prothonotary and clerk of courts has a<br />

specific form for expungements <strong>in</strong> summary cases where the offender<br />

has not been arrested or prosecuted <strong>in</strong> the five years s<strong>in</strong>ce be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

convicted of the offense that he or she wishes to expunge. Please see<br />

the prothonotary and clerk of courts website or Penn State’s Student<br />

Legal Services for more <strong>in</strong>formation.<br />

c. Expungement <strong>in</strong> Court <strong>Cases</strong> (Rule 790)—You are eligible for<br />

expungement <strong>in</strong> court cases if:<br />

(1) There is no record of a disposition by the court with<strong>in</strong> 18 months<br />

after the date of your arrest and it is verified that no disposition is<br />

available and no action is pend<strong>in</strong>g;<br />

OR<br />

(2) A court orders the expungement;<br />

OR<br />

(3)<br />

a. You are at least 21 years old and your case was a<br />

conviction for violation of underage dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g, m<strong>in</strong>or’s law,<br />

or 18 Pa.C.S.A. §6308; AND<br />

b. You have satisfied all terms and conditions of the sentence<br />

imposed for the violation, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g any suspension of<br />

driv<strong>in</strong>g privileges;<br />

OR<br />

Page | 7


(4)<br />

a. You are at least 70 years old; AND<br />

b. You have not been arrested or prosecuted for ten (10)<br />

years follow<strong>in</strong>g your f<strong>in</strong>al release from conf<strong>in</strong>ement or<br />

supervision;<br />

OR<br />

(5) You are petition<strong>in</strong>g for expungement for someone else, who has<br />

been dead for three years.<br />

VII.<br />

How to File a Petition for Expungement<br />

a. Locate Your Records<br />

To fill out the Expungement Petition properly, you will need to know the date<br />

of your arrest and the crimes that you were charged with. You will also need to<br />

know which police department was <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> your arrest and other <strong>in</strong>formation<br />

relat<strong>in</strong>g to programs <strong>in</strong> which you may have participated. For these reasons, you<br />

should locate all of the records that you personally kept relat<strong>in</strong>g to your case. If an<br />

attorney represented you, you may contact the attorney because he or she should<br />

have accurate records of this <strong>in</strong>formation. The attorney may however charge you a<br />

fee for any copies that he or she supplies.<br />

You may also obta<strong>in</strong> a recent copy of your complete crim<strong>in</strong>al record through<br />

the <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> State Police website at:<br />

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=4451&&PageID=<br />

458621&level=2&css=L2&mode=2<br />

The <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> State Police website calls the process of obta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g your<br />

crim<strong>in</strong>al record “runn<strong>in</strong>g a background check.” There is a $10.00 fee 1 for each time<br />

you run a background check and it can take two or more weeks for you to receive<br />

your crim<strong>in</strong>al record report or background check.<br />

b. Where to File Your Petition<br />

Your petition for expungement should be filed <strong>in</strong> the prothonotary and clerk<br />

of courts’ office <strong>in</strong> the county where your arrest and/or prosecution happened.<br />

c. Components of a Complete Petition<br />

(1) The petition form and cover sheet must be fully completed; AND<br />

(2) The $75.00 fil<strong>in</strong>g fee must be paid; AND<br />

(3) A copy of the completed docket sheet if applicable; AND<br />

(4) Your <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> State Police Crim<strong>in</strong>al History; AND<br />

(5) A copy of the petition must be served to the District Attorney.<br />

1 The fee for runn<strong>in</strong>g a background check may be different <strong>in</strong> other states.<br />

Page | 8


d. The Forms You Will Need, Examples of Them 2 , and How to<br />

Fill Them Out<br />

You must fill out specific forms <strong>in</strong> order for your petition for expungement to<br />

be complete. Which form to fill out depends on the type of expungement you seek,<br />

but for all types of expungement you must also file a cover sheet. Forms can be<br />

found both on the website and <strong>in</strong> the office of the prothonotary and clerk of courts<br />

for the county <strong>in</strong> which you are fil<strong>in</strong>g. For Centre County forms, go to:<br />

http://centrecountypa.gov/<strong>in</strong>dex.aspx?NID=387<br />

Or visit the prothonotary and clerk of courts’ office, which is located at:<br />

Centre County Courthouse<br />

N. Allegheny St.<br />

Bellefonte, PA 16823-1488<br />

i. The ARD Expungement Form (Rule 320) Should Look<br />

Like This (6 pages):<br />

2 The forms that are represented <strong>in</strong> this booklet are for use as examples only and are current as<br />

of July, 2011. Always, go to the website or contact the prothonotary and clerk of courts’ office<br />

for the county <strong>in</strong> which you are fil<strong>in</strong>g for the most current and correct forms and <strong>in</strong>structions.<br />

Page | 9


Page | 10


How to Fill Out the ARD Expungement Form<br />

Page One:<br />

• Page One is “Instructions For Expungement After ARD Completion.”<br />

You do not have to fill anyth<strong>in</strong>g out on Page One, rather Page One<br />

is only for your reference.<br />

Page Two:<br />

• Write your full legal name on the l<strong>in</strong>e directly under<br />

“COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA VS.”<br />

• Write the last digits of the crim<strong>in</strong>al case number of your primary<br />

case <strong>in</strong> the blank spaces after “NO: CP-14-CR-.” This number can<br />

be found on court documents from your primary case. If you<br />

cannot f<strong>in</strong>d the crim<strong>in</strong>al case number for your primary case, you<br />

can look it up by search<strong>in</strong>g the public dockets on the Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative<br />

Office of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Courts website.<br />

• After “AND NOW,” write the date on which you are submitt<strong>in</strong>g your<br />

petition for expungement.<br />

• In the next blank space, after “...of the eligible crim<strong>in</strong>al charges,”<br />

write the charges that you know are eligible for expungement and<br />

that you wish to expunge.<br />

• In the space above “DEFENDANT,” write your full legal name.<br />

• In the space above and below “ADDRESS,” write your street<br />

address.<br />

Page | 11


• Leave the rest of Page Two blank.<br />

Page Three:<br />

• After “NAME,” write your full legal name as it appears on the<br />

documents of your primary case.<br />

• After “DOCKET NO,” write the docket number of your primary case.<br />

If you cannot f<strong>in</strong>d the docket number, you can look it up by<br />

search<strong>in</strong>g the public dockets on the Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative Office of<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Courts website.<br />

• Leave the rest of Page Three blank.<br />

Page Four:<br />

• Write your full legal name on the l<strong>in</strong>e directly under<br />

“COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA VS.”<br />

• Write the last digits of the crim<strong>in</strong>al case number of your primary<br />

case <strong>in</strong> the blank spaces after “NO: CP-14-CR-.” This number can<br />

be found on court documents from your primary case. If you<br />

cannot f<strong>in</strong>d the crim<strong>in</strong>al case number for your primary case, you<br />

can look it up by search<strong>in</strong>g the public dockets on the Adm<strong>in</strong>istrative<br />

Office of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Courts website.<br />

Page | 12


• After “AND NOW, the above named defendant,” write your legal<br />

name as it appears on primary case documents.<br />

• In l<strong>in</strong>e (1), after the word “Officer,” write the name of the police<br />

officer that arrested you. Then, after “on” write the date on which<br />

you were arrested.<br />

• Also <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e (1), after “and charged with the follow<strong>in</strong>g charges <strong>in</strong><br />

violation of the <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Crimes Code:” write ALL of the<br />

crim<strong>in</strong>al charges that you were charged with at that time.<br />

• In l<strong>in</strong>e (3), after “On,” write the date on which you were accepted<br />

<strong>in</strong>to the ARD program. Then, after “for the follow<strong>in</strong>g charges,”<br />

write only those specific charges for which you were accepted <strong>in</strong>to<br />

the ARD program.<br />

• In l<strong>in</strong>e (5) write the name of the police department that was<br />

<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> your arrest.<br />

• In the space below “Respectfully Submitted,” and above<br />

“DEFENDANT,” sign your name.<br />

• In the spaces above “ADDRESS” write your street address.<br />

• Leave the rest of Page Four blank.<br />

Page | 13


Page Five:<br />

• Write your full legal name on the l<strong>in</strong>e directly under<br />

“COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA VS.”<br />

• Write the last digits of the crim<strong>in</strong>al case number of your primary<br />

case <strong>in</strong> the blank spaces after “NO: CP-14-CR-.”<br />

• Leave the rest of Page Five blank.<br />

Page Six:<br />

• Write your full legal name on the l<strong>in</strong>e directly under<br />

“COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA VS.”<br />

• Write the last digits of the crim<strong>in</strong>al case number of your primary<br />

case <strong>in</strong> the blank spaces after “NO: CP-14-CR-.”<br />

Page | 14


• After “Defendant’s Address,” write your street address.<br />

• After “Aliases,” write any names, other than your legal name, that<br />

you go by.<br />

• After “Date of Birth,” write the date you were born.<br />

• After “Soc. Sec. No.,” write your social security number.<br />

• After, “Eligible Charge(s),” write the charges that are eligible for<br />

expungement, which you wish to expunge.<br />

• After “MDJ Docket No.,” write the docket number of your primary<br />

case.<br />

• After “MDJ Court Number,” write the court number of the<br />

Magisterial District Judge that presided over your primary case.<br />

• Under “Name/Address of Court of Common Pleas Judge who<br />

entered ARD Placement,” write the name and address of the Court<br />

of Common Pleas Judge that approved your entrance <strong>in</strong>to the ARD<br />

program.<br />

• After “Date of Arrest/Compla<strong>in</strong>t/ Citation Filed,” write the date<br />

when you were arrested or when the Compla<strong>in</strong>t or Citation was<br />

filed, relat<strong>in</strong>g to your primary case.<br />

• After “OTN/Citation #” write the Citation Number or Offense<br />

Track<strong>in</strong>g Number that corresponds to your primary case.<br />

• After “Arrest<strong>in</strong>g Agency/Address” write the name of the police<br />

office/agency that arrested you and its address.<br />

• Names and addresses of Centre County Police<br />

Departments/Arrest<strong>in</strong>g Agencies can be found later <strong>in</strong> this<br />

booklet.<br />

• After “F<strong>in</strong>es, Costs, Restitution Paid?” write “Yes.”<br />

• Make sure that you have paid all f<strong>in</strong>es, costs, and restitution<br />

before submitt<strong>in</strong>g your petition for expungement.<br />

• Leave the rest of Page Six blank.<br />

Page | 15


ii.<br />

The Form for Expungement <strong>in</strong> Summary <strong>Cases</strong> (Rule<br />

490) Should Look Like This (5 pages):<br />

Page | 16


How to Fill Out the Summary <strong>Cases</strong> Expungement Form<br />

Page One:<br />

• Page One is “Instructions For Expungement.” You do not have to<br />

fill anyth<strong>in</strong>g out on Page One, rather Page One is only for your<br />

reference.<br />

Page Two:<br />

• At the top of Page Two, under “Commonwealth of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> v,”<br />

write your full legal name.<br />

• In the blank spaces after “Docket No,” fill <strong>in</strong> the Docket Number of<br />

your primary case.<br />

Page | 17


• In the box, after “Full Name,” write your full legal name as it should<br />

appear on the primary case documents.<br />

• After “DOB,” write the date of your birth.<br />

• After “Social Security Number,” write your social security number.<br />

• In the box, after “Address,” write the street address where you live.<br />

• In the boxes after “Alias(es),” write any names, other than your<br />

legal name, that you go by.<br />

• After “Judge,” write the name of the judge from the Magisterial<br />

District Court or the Philadelphia Municipal Court that accepted your<br />

guilty plea or heard your case.<br />

• After “Magisterial District Court Number,” write the Court Number<br />

of the Magisterial District Court that heard your primary case.<br />

• After “Address,” write the address of the Magisterial District Court<br />

or the Philadelphia Municipal Court that accepted your guilty plea or<br />

heard your primary case.<br />

• After “Philadelphia Municipal Court or Magisterial District Docket<br />

Number,” write the Docket Number of your primary case <strong>in</strong> the<br />

Philadelphia Municipal Court or Magisterial District Court.<br />

• After “Name of Arrest<strong>in</strong>g Agency,” write the name of the police<br />

department that arrested you.<br />

• After “Date of Arrest,” write the date of when you were arrested.<br />

• After “Date of Citation or Compla<strong>in</strong>t,” write the date listed on your<br />

Citation or Compla<strong>in</strong>t.<br />

• After “Name of Affiant,” write the name of the affiant that is listed<br />

on the Compla<strong>in</strong>t or Citation, if that <strong>in</strong>formation is available.<br />

• After “Address,” write the address of the affiant if it is listed on the<br />

Compla<strong>in</strong>t or Citation.<br />

Page | 18


• Under “PA Statute (Title),” list the title of each <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> statute<br />

with which you were charged and now want to expunge.<br />

• Under “Section,” write the section of each <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> statute with<br />

which you were charged and now want to expunge.<br />

• Under “Subsection,” write the subsection of each <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

statute with which you were charged and now want to expunge.<br />

• Under “Statute Description,” describe each of the statutes that you<br />

were charged with. For example: Driv<strong>in</strong>g Under the Influence.<br />

• Under “Counts,” list the number of counts you were charged with<br />

for each violation.<br />

• Under “Grade,” list the grade for each violation.<br />

• Under “Disposition,” write what the disposition of each charge was.<br />

• After “...has the amount due been paid?” mark the box before<br />

“Yes.”<br />

Page | 19


• In the box marked “List the reason(s) for the expungement...”<br />

write your reason(s) for seek<strong>in</strong>g expungement. You may attach<br />

additional sheet(s) of paper if it is necessary to expla<strong>in</strong> why you are<br />

seek<strong>in</strong>g expungement.<br />

• Mark the box next to “I have attached a copy of my <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

State Police Crim<strong>in</strong>al History which I have obta<strong>in</strong>ed with<strong>in</strong> 60 days<br />

before fil<strong>in</strong>g this petition.<br />

• You can access your Crim<strong>in</strong>al History report through the<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong> State Police website at:<br />

http://www.portal.state.pa.us<br />

• If you cannot access your Crim<strong>in</strong>al History for any reason,<br />

you may contact Penn State’s Student Legal Services for<br />

advice.<br />

• At the bottom of Page Two, sign your name on the l<strong>in</strong>e above<br />

“Signature of Petitioner.”<br />

• Write the date of when you signed this page on the l<strong>in</strong>e above<br />

“Date.”<br />

Page Three:<br />

• On the l<strong>in</strong>e above “Defendant,” write your full legal name.<br />

• On the l<strong>in</strong>e next to “Docket No.,” write the docket number of the<br />

primary case.<br />

Page | 20


• At the bottom right of Page Three, on the l<strong>in</strong>e above “Defendant,”<br />

sign your name.<br />

• At the bottom left of Page Three, on the l<strong>in</strong>e above “Date,” write<br />

the date that you signed the page.<br />

• This page is a Certificate of Service, which is a document <strong>in</strong> which<br />

you are verify<strong>in</strong>g that you sent a copy of your petition to all<br />

relevant parties. You must send a copy to the District Attorney.<br />

Page | 21


Page Four:<br />

• Under “COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA VS,” write your full<br />

legal name.<br />

• In the spaces to the right of “Common Pleas Docket No.,” write the<br />

Common Pleas Docket Number of the primary case.<br />

• In the spaces to the right of “MDJ Docket No.,” write the Magisterial<br />

District Judge’s Docket Number from the primary case.<br />

• In the space to the right of “MDJ Court Number,” write the Court<br />

Number of the Magisterial District Judge.<br />

• Next to “Defendant’s Address,” write your street address.<br />

• Next to “Aliases,” write any names, other than your legal name,<br />

that you go by.<br />

• Next to “Date of Birth,” write the date on which you were born.<br />

• On the l<strong>in</strong>es next to “Soc. Sec. No.,” write your social security<br />

number.<br />

• Next to “Eligible Charges,” write the charges that are eligible for<br />

expungement, which you wish to expunge through this petition.<br />

• Next to “Disposition,” write what the disposition of the primary case<br />

was.<br />

• Next to “Reason for Expungement,” write the reason that you seek<br />

expungement.<br />

• Next to “Name/Address of MDJ who accepted Plea or heard case,”<br />

write the name and address of the Magisterial District Judge that<br />

accepted your Plea or heard your primary case.<br />

• Next to “Date of Arrest/Compla<strong>in</strong>t/ Citation Filed,” write the date<br />

that you were arrested or the Compla<strong>in</strong>t or Citation was filed.<br />

• Next to “OTN/Citation #,” write the Offense Track<strong>in</strong>g Number or the<br />

Citation Number.<br />

• Next to “Arrest<strong>in</strong>g Agency/Address,” write the name and address of<br />

the police agency that arrested you.<br />

• Next to “F<strong>in</strong>es, Costs, Restitution Paid?” write “Yes.”<br />

• Make sure that you have paid all f<strong>in</strong>es, costs, and restitution<br />

before submitt<strong>in</strong>g your petition for expungement.<br />

• Leave the rest of Page Four blank.<br />

Page | 22


Page Five:<br />

• Next to “NAME,” write your full legal name.<br />

• Next to “DOCKET NO,” write the Docket Number of the primary<br />

case.<br />

Page | 23


iii. The Form for Expungement <strong>in</strong> Court <strong>Cases</strong> (Rule 790)<br />

Should Look Like This (5 pages):<br />

Page | 24


How to Fill Out the Rule 790 Expungement Form<br />

Page One:<br />

• Page One is “Instructions For Expungement.” You do not have to<br />

fill anyth<strong>in</strong>g out on Page One, rather Page One is only for your<br />

reference.<br />

Page Two:<br />

• Next to “In the Court of Common Pleas County of,” write the county<br />

<strong>in</strong> which your primary case was happened/is located. For Centre<br />

County, write “Centre.”<br />

• In the space before “Judicial District,” write the Judicial District<br />

Number of that county. For Centre County, write “49 th .”<br />

• Under “Commonwealth of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> v,” write your full legal<br />

name.<br />

• In the spaces next to “Docket No.,” write the Docket Number of the<br />

primary case <strong>in</strong> the Court of Common Pleas.<br />

Page | 25


• Next to “Full Name,” write your full legal name.<br />

• Next to “Address,” write your street address.<br />

• Next to “DOB,” write your date of birth.<br />

• Next to “Social Security Number,” write your social security<br />

number.<br />

• In the boxes follow<strong>in</strong>g “Alias(es),” write any names, other than<br />

your legal name, that you go by.<br />

• After the word “Judge,” write the name of the Judge of the Court of<br />

Common Pleas or Philadelphia Municipal Court who accepted your<br />

guilty plea or heard your primary case.<br />

• Then to the right, after the word “Address,” write the address of<br />

the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas or Philadelphia Municipal<br />

Court who accepted your guilty plea or heard your primary case.<br />

• After “Philadelphia Municipal Court or Court of Common Pleas<br />

Docket Number,” write the Docket Number for the Philadelphia<br />

Municipal Court or Court of Common Pleas, relat<strong>in</strong>g to your primary<br />

case.<br />

• After “Offense Track<strong>in</strong>g Number (OTN),” write the Offense Track<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Number of your primary case.<br />

• After “Name of Arrest<strong>in</strong>g Agency,” write the name of the agency<br />

that arrested you.<br />

• After “Date of Arrest,” write the date that you were arrested.<br />

• After “Date of Compla<strong>in</strong>t,” write the date on which the Compla<strong>in</strong>t<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st you was filed.<br />

• After “Name of Affiant,” write the name of the affiant that is listed<br />

on the Compla<strong>in</strong>t, it that <strong>in</strong>formation is available to you.<br />

• In the second box labeled “Address,” write the address of the<br />

affiant that is listed <strong>in</strong> the Compla<strong>in</strong>t, if that <strong>in</strong>formation is available<br />

to you.<br />

Page | 26


• Under “PA Statute (Title),” list the title of each <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> statute<br />

with which you were charged and now want to expunge.<br />

• Under “Section,” write the section of each <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> statute with<br />

which you were charged and now want to expunge.<br />

• Under “Subsection,” write the subsection of each <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

statute with which you were charged and now want to expunge.<br />

• Under “Statute Description,” describe each of the statutes that you<br />

were charged with. For example: Driv<strong>in</strong>g Under the Influence.<br />

• Under “Counts,” list the number of counts you were charged with<br />

for each violation.<br />

• Under “Grade,” list the grade for each violation.<br />

• Under “Disposition,” write what the disposition or f<strong>in</strong>al<br />

outcome/determ<strong>in</strong>ation of the court was for each charge.<br />

• After “...has the amount due been paid?” mark the box before<br />

“Yes.”<br />

• Make sure that you have paid all f<strong>in</strong>es, costs, and restitution<br />

before submitt<strong>in</strong>g your petition for expungement.<br />

Page | 27


• In the box marked “List the reason(s) for the expungement...”<br />

write your reason(s) for seek<strong>in</strong>g expungement.<br />

You may attach<br />

additional sheet(s) of paper if it is necessary to expla<strong>in</strong> why you are<br />

seek<strong>in</strong>g expungement.<br />

• Mark the box next to “I have attached a copy of my <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

State Police Crim<strong>in</strong>al History which I have obta<strong>in</strong>ed with<strong>in</strong> 60 days<br />

before fil<strong>in</strong>g this petition.<br />

• You can access your Crim<strong>in</strong>al History report through the<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong> State Police website at:<br />

http://www.portal.state.pa.us<br />

• If you cannot access your Crim<strong>in</strong>al History for any reason,<br />

you should contact Penn State’s Student Legal Services for<br />

advice.<br />

• At the bottom of Page Two, sign your name on the l<strong>in</strong>e above<br />

“Signature of Petitioner.”<br />

• Write the date of when you signed this page on the l<strong>in</strong>e above<br />

“Date.”<br />

Page Three:<br />

• On the l<strong>in</strong>e above “Defendant,” write your full legal name.<br />

• On the l<strong>in</strong>e next to “Docket No.,” write the docket number of the<br />

primary case.<br />

Page | 28


• At the bottom right of Page Three, on the l<strong>in</strong>e above “Defendant,”<br />

sign your name.<br />

• At the bottom left of Page Three, on the l<strong>in</strong>e above “Date,” write<br />

the date that you signed the page.<br />

• This page is a Certificate of Service, which is a document <strong>in</strong> which<br />

you are verify<strong>in</strong>g that you sent a copy of your petition to all<br />

relevant parties. You must send a copy to the District Attorney<br />

Page Four:<br />

• Under “COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA VS,” write your full<br />

legal name.<br />

• In the spaces to the right of “Common Pleas Docket No.,” write the<br />

Common Pleas Docket Number of the primary case.<br />

• In the spaces to the right of “MDJ Docket No.,” write the Magisterial<br />

District Judge’s Docket Number from the primary case.<br />

• In the space to the right of “MDJ Court Number,” write the Court<br />

Number of the Magisterial District Judge.<br />

Page | 29


• Next to “Defendant’s Address,” write your street address.<br />

• Next to “Aliases,” write any names, other than your legal name,<br />

that you go by.<br />

• Next to “Date of Birth,” write the date on which you were born.<br />

• On the l<strong>in</strong>es next to “Soc. Sec. No.,” write your social security<br />

number.<br />

• Next to “Eligible Charges,” write the charges that are eligible for<br />

expungement, which you wish to expunge through this petition.<br />

• Next to “Disposition,” write what the disposition of the primary case<br />

was.<br />

• Next to “Reason for Expungement,” write the reason that you seek<br />

expungement.<br />

• Next to “Name/Address of Court of Common Pleas Judge who<br />

accepted Plea or heard case,” write the name and address of the<br />

Court of Common Pleas Judge that accepted your Plea or heard<br />

your primary case.<br />

• Next to “Date of Arrest/Compla<strong>in</strong>t/ Citation Filed,” write the date<br />

that you were arrested or the Compla<strong>in</strong>t or Citation was filed.<br />

• Next to “OTN/Citation #,” write the Offense Track<strong>in</strong>g Number or the<br />

Citation Number.<br />

• Next to “Arrest<strong>in</strong>g Agency/Address,” write the name and address of<br />

the police agency that arrested you.<br />

• Names and addresses of Centre County Police Departments/<br />

Arrest<strong>in</strong>g Agencies can be found later <strong>in</strong> this booklet.<br />

• Next to “F<strong>in</strong>es, Costs, Restitution Paid?” write “Yes.”<br />

• Make sure that you have paid all f<strong>in</strong>es, costs, and restitution<br />

before submitt<strong>in</strong>g your petition for expungement.<br />

• Leave the rest of Page Four blank.<br />

Page | 30


Page Five:<br />

• Next to “NAME,” write your full legal name.<br />

• Next to “DOCKET NO,” write the Docket Number of the primary<br />

case.<br />

Page | 31


e. Payment 3<br />

There is a $75.00 fil<strong>in</strong>g fee for fil<strong>in</strong>g your petition. Payment must be made<br />

by cash or money order. Personal checks will not be accepted.<br />

f. Timeframe<br />

The expungement process can take 4-8 months to complete. If your Petition<br />

is approved, a copy of a Court Order that orders your record to be expunged will be<br />

mailed to you at the address that you listed on your Petition.<br />

VIII.<br />

List of Offices and Contact Information Needed to File Your<br />

Forms<br />

a. Centre County Police Offices/Arrest<strong>in</strong>g Agencies<br />

Bellefonte Borough Police Department<br />

236 W. Lamb Street<br />

Bellefonte, PA 16823<br />

Ferguson Township Police Department<br />

3147 Research Drive<br />

State College, PA 16801<br />

Patton Township Police Department<br />

100 Patton Plaza<br />

State College, PA 16803<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Department of State Police—<br />

Philipsburg Barracks<br />

3104 Port Matilda Highway<br />

Philipsburg, PA 16866<br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Department of State Police—Rockview Barracks<br />

745 S Eagle Valley Road<br />

Bellefonte, PA 16823<br />

Spr<strong>in</strong>g Township Police Department<br />

1309 Blanchard Street<br />

Bellefonte, PA 16823<br />

State College Borough Police Department<br />

243 South Allen Street<br />

State College, PA 16801<br />

3 The fil<strong>in</strong>g fee may be different <strong>in</strong> counties other than Centre County, <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>.<br />

Page | 32


. Contact Information for the Centre County Prothonotary<br />

and Clerk of Courts:<br />

Address:<br />

Centre County Courthouse<br />

Bellefonte PA 16823-1488<br />

Phone: (814) 355-6796<br />

Hours:<br />

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.<br />

Monday - Friday<br />

Page | 33


Provided By:<br />

Student Legal Services<br />

Penn State University<br />

120 Boucke Build<strong>in</strong>g<br />

University Park, PA 16802<br />

Phone: 814.867.4388<br />

http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/legalservices<br />

What is the Office of<br />

Student Legal Services?<br />

The Office of Student Legal Services (SLS) is a student-activity-fee-funded law office<br />

which provides legal assistance to Penn State students at University Park. We offer<br />

advice, counsel, representation, and/or referral services <strong>in</strong> most legal matters affect<strong>in</strong>g<br />

students. SLS is staffed by licensed attorneys, support staff and law student assistants.<br />

How can you use Student Legal Services?<br />

If you need assistance with a legal issue, please first visit our website to complete an<br />

<strong>in</strong>take form. Once completed, you will be contacted via telephone to set up an <strong>in</strong>take<br />

appo<strong>in</strong>tment.<br />

For more <strong>in</strong>formation, please visit our website at:<br />

http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/legalservices/<br />

This pamphlet does not constitute legal advice<br />

nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship with the office of Student Legal Services.<br />

Students wish<strong>in</strong>g legal advice should consult with a licensed attorney.<br />

This publication is available <strong>in</strong> alternative media on request. Penn State is<br />

committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its<br />

workforce. U.Ed. STA<br />

Page | 34


Eras<strong>in</strong>g Your Crim<strong>in</strong>al Record:<br />

How to Get a Pardon <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

June 2013


Eras<strong>in</strong>g Your Crim<strong>in</strong>al Record: How to Apply for a Pardon <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

2<br />

WHAT IS A PARDON?<br />

A pardon is an act by the Governor of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> that erases a conviction from your<br />

crim<strong>in</strong>al record. In <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>, a pardon is generally the only way that felony and<br />

misdemeanor convictions can be elim<strong>in</strong>ated; these convictions cannot be expunged<br />

by a court.<br />

Although it is difficult to get a pardon, you should consider apply<strong>in</strong>g for one if you are<br />

hav<strong>in</strong>g employment or other problems because of your crim<strong>in</strong>al record. The process will<br />

take several years. It will cost $8.00 for an application, an additional $25.00 <strong>in</strong> fil<strong>in</strong>g<br />

fees, $10.00 to get a Pa. State Police record, $10.00 for your Certified Driv<strong>in</strong>g Record,<br />

and the cost of passport photos, copies of documents, and postage. But if you are<br />

successful, you can have a clean crim<strong>in</strong>al record aga<strong>in</strong>.<br />

WHO CAN GET A PARDON?<br />

Anyone who has a crim<strong>in</strong>al record may apply for a pardon. There are no def<strong>in</strong>ite<br />

standards for when a pardon will be given, but the majority of people who receive<br />

pardons have a record of only one m<strong>in</strong>or offense that was committed at least five years<br />

ago, or a more serious offense that was committed at least ten years ago.<br />

The most common types of crimes to receive pardons <strong>in</strong>clude shoplift<strong>in</strong>g and disorderly<br />

conduct. Typically, serious crimes are only pardoned if several decades have passed s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />

the crime was committed. The longer you have stayed out of trouble, the better your<br />

chances of gett<strong>in</strong>g a pardon.<br />

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PARDON?<br />

Request the application<br />

The first step is to send a short letter to the Board of Pardons (BOP) request<strong>in</strong>g an<br />

application for a hear<strong>in</strong>g (see address on back). With this letter, you must <strong>in</strong>clude an<br />

$8.00 money order, cashier’s check or certified check payable to the Commonwealth<br />

of <strong>Pennsylvania</strong>, and a self-addressed bus<strong>in</strong>ess size envelope with $1.30 of postage<br />

on it. Personal checks will not be accepted.<br />

Collect the required documents<br />

As the application’s <strong>in</strong>structions will expla<strong>in</strong>, you will need to gather some <strong>in</strong>formation<br />

and documentation for your application. For <strong>in</strong>stance, you will be required to order your<br />

complete crim<strong>in</strong>al history from the Pa. State Police. It can take as long as six months<br />

for this record to be sent to you, so you should send away for it as soon as you beg<strong>in</strong><br />

the pardon application process. You will also need to request your Certified Driv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Record and get one color passport-sized photo.


Eras<strong>in</strong>g Your Crim<strong>in</strong>al Record: How to Apply for a Pardon <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

3<br />

Gather necessary <strong>in</strong>formation and support<strong>in</strong>g materials<br />

You will need to track down <strong>in</strong>formation about your conviction(s), such as the date of the<br />

crime, the place where you were tried, and the name of judge who presided over your<br />

trial and/or sentenced you. You must also list every time you were arrested and any<br />

citation you ever received. This <strong>in</strong>formation often can be gathered at your county<br />

courthouse. You will have to go to the Courthouse <strong>in</strong> the County where you were<br />

sentenced and get copies of certa<strong>in</strong> documents from the orig<strong>in</strong>al file such as the<br />

Disposition/Sentenc<strong>in</strong>g Order.<br />

Although not required, you should also consider gett<strong>in</strong>g letters of recommendation and<br />

any documents that show positive changes <strong>in</strong> your life (such as diplomas or awards).<br />

Fill out the application<br />

The application is several pages long and asks you a variety of questions. In addition to<br />

ask<strong>in</strong>g for general <strong>in</strong>formation about yourself, the application will ask for the name,<br />

address and telephone number of your employer. The Board will not call your employer,<br />

but wants to know if you are currently employed. If you are not, you need to state how<br />

you support yourself.<br />

The most important questions on the application require you to discuss the specific<br />

details of the crime, your conduct s<strong>in</strong>ce the crime was committed, and your<br />

explanation of why you should be pardoned. It is extremely important that you tell<br />

the Board that you accept responsibility for the acts which lead to your<br />

conviction(s). Expla<strong>in</strong> your answers to these questions <strong>in</strong> as much detail as possible.<br />

Send <strong>in</strong> your completed application<br />

Be sure to read the <strong>in</strong>structions carefully. Once you f<strong>in</strong>ish the application, you must make<br />

five copies of the application and send it to the Board along with all required and<br />

supplemental documents and a $25.00 money order. If your application is miss<strong>in</strong>g<br />

anyth<strong>in</strong>g, the Board will send it back to you.<br />

Request<strong>in</strong>g a fee waiver<br />

You can try to get the Board to waive the $33.00 of its fees if you feel that you cannot<br />

afford it, but the Board almost never waives fees for people who are not currently <strong>in</strong><br />

prison. To do this, your first letter to the Board should request the form for what is called<br />

an "<strong>in</strong> forma pauperis" application. You will still have to <strong>in</strong>clude a self-addressed<br />

envelope with $1.30 <strong>in</strong> postage. When you receive this form, you can fill it out and send<br />

it back to the Board of Pardons. But you should make every effort to pay the fil<strong>in</strong>g<br />

fees, because the Board considers your f<strong>in</strong>ancial situation <strong>in</strong> decid<strong>in</strong>g to recommend<br />

a pardon.


Eras<strong>in</strong>g Your Crim<strong>in</strong>al Record: How to Apply for a Pardon <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

4<br />

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?<br />

Your application is filed<br />

Assum<strong>in</strong>g your application is complete, the Board will file your application with<strong>in</strong> 2-3<br />

months of receiv<strong>in</strong>g it.<br />

Interview by state parole agent<br />

About two years after the Board files the application, a state parole agent will <strong>in</strong>terview<br />

you at your home, to collect <strong>in</strong>formation to determ<strong>in</strong>e whether you are "a responsible,<br />

contribut<strong>in</strong>g member of society." He or she will ask about who else lives with you and<br />

about your conduct s<strong>in</strong>ce the crime was committed. You should be prepared to make<br />

po<strong>in</strong>ts <strong>in</strong> your favor, such as any community service, military service or religious<br />

activities <strong>in</strong> which you have participated. The agent will also ask you personal questions,<br />

such as whether you are married and have children, where you work, and if you owe any<br />

loans. It is important that you cooperate with the agent. If the agent asks any questions<br />

that make you uncomfortable, please expla<strong>in</strong> your concerns rather than refus<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

cooperate. The agent will then prepare a report based on this <strong>in</strong>terview.<br />

The board reviews application<br />

At this po<strong>in</strong>t, your <strong>in</strong>vestigation report, any op<strong>in</strong>ions that might be submitted by the local<br />

trial judge and district attorney, and your application are sent to the Board to be reviewed.<br />

The Board consists of five members: the Lt. Governor (the chair); the Attorney General;<br />

a victim representative; a corrections expert; and a psychologist. To get a hear<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

generally at least two members of the Board must vote to grant you one. It typically<br />

takes one year until the Board decides whether or not to grant you a public hear<strong>in</strong>g. If the<br />

Board does not grant you a hear<strong>in</strong>g, your application has been denied. If you are granted<br />

a hear<strong>in</strong>g, it is held with<strong>in</strong> the next couple of months, <strong>in</strong> Harrisburg.<br />

Hear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Harrisburg<br />

If you are granted a hear<strong>in</strong>g, you will need to attend the hear<strong>in</strong>g and speak for yourself to<br />

the Board. Hear<strong>in</strong>gs are open to the public and are only 15 m<strong>in</strong>utes long. You do not<br />

need an attorney, but you can choose to be represented by an attorney or anyone else.<br />

You may want to br<strong>in</strong>g someone else to speak <strong>in</strong> your favor.<br />

The Board asks questions to determ<strong>in</strong>e if you are sorry for committ<strong>in</strong>g the crime and to<br />

make sure you will not commit another crime. The Board will also ask about any other<br />

arrests on your record. Make sure to tell the Board about the problems you are hav<strong>in</strong>g as<br />

a result of your crim<strong>in</strong>al record, such as difficulty f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g a job or advanc<strong>in</strong>g a career.


Eras<strong>in</strong>g Your Crim<strong>in</strong>al Record: How to Apply for a Pardon <strong>in</strong> <strong>Pennsylvania</strong><br />

5<br />

The board takes a public vote<br />

The board takes a vote on all cases presented at the hear<strong>in</strong>g at the end of the hear<strong>in</strong>g<br />

session. If fewer than three of the five members of the Board recommend that you receive<br />

a pardon, your application is denied. If at least three members vote <strong>in</strong> your favor, the<br />

Board’s recommendation that you receive a pardon will be sent to the Governor.<br />

The role of the Governor<br />

The Governor has the f<strong>in</strong>al say about whether you are granted a pardon, but he tends to<br />

follow the recommendation of the Board. Once the Board's recommendation is sent to<br />

the Governor, it can take up to a year for a f<strong>in</strong>al decision. If the Governor grants the<br />

pardon, you will receive a signed document from him.<br />

Expung<strong>in</strong>g the record<br />

The f<strong>in</strong>al step is to go to the clerk of court <strong>in</strong> the county where you committed the offense<br />

to request an expungement. You will need to file a petition and attach the signed pardon<br />

document from the Governor. A judge will then order that the record be expunged, and<br />

with<strong>in</strong> two to six months, all records of the crime for which you received a pardon will be<br />

erased by both the court and the <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> State Police.<br />

RESOURCES AND CONTACT INFORMATION<br />

1. Board of Pardons<br />

333 Market Street, 15th Floor<br />

Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333<br />

(717) 787-2596<br />

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/bop_home/19192<br />

2. Pardon Me Cl<strong>in</strong>ic<br />

What: Provides assistance to people <strong>in</strong> Philadelphia who are apply<strong>in</strong>g for pardons<br />

Where: There are cl<strong>in</strong>ics <strong>in</strong> West, South, and Northeast Philadelphia<br />

For more <strong>in</strong>fo: Contact Wayne Jacobs, 267-325-0335, www.ex-offenders.org<br />

3. Community Legal Services<br />

Center City Office: 1424 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 1910, 215-981-3700<br />

North Philadelphia Law Center: 1410 West Erie Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19140,<br />

215-227-2400, www.clsphila.org


The [<strong>US</strong>] Office of <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong><br />

and Del<strong>in</strong>quency Prevention


Office of <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> & Del<strong>in</strong>quency Prevention (<strong>US</strong>)<br />

http://www.ojjdp.gov/<br />

The Office of <strong>Juvenile</strong> <strong>Justice</strong> and Del<strong>in</strong>quency Prevention (OJJDP) provides national<br />

leadership, coord<strong>in</strong>ation, and resources to prevent and respond to juvenile del<strong>in</strong>quency and<br />

victimization. OJJDP supports states and communities <strong>in</strong> their efforts to develop and implement<br />

effective and coord<strong>in</strong>ated prevention and <strong>in</strong>tervention programs and to improve the juvenile<br />

justice system so that it protects public safety, holds offenders accountable, and provides<br />

treatment and rehabilitative services tailored to the needs of juveniles and their families.


The Statistical Brief<strong>in</strong>g [Hand] Book<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Easy Access to <strong>Juvenile</strong> Populations now <strong>in</strong>cludes data through 2012 on national, state,<br />

and county population estimates.<br />

Easy Access to the Census of <strong>Juvenile</strong>s <strong>in</strong> Residential Placement, which provides<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation, such as youth demographics, length of stay, and most serious offense; and<br />

Easy Access to the FBI‟s Supplementary Homicide Reports, which provides victim and<br />

offender demographics, now <strong>in</strong>clude national and state data through 2011.<br />

Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on juvenile homicide victims and juvenile<br />

homicide offenders now <strong>in</strong>clude data for 2011. Also available are answers to new FAQs<br />

on the Organization & Adm<strong>in</strong>istration of Del<strong>in</strong>quency Services.


Notes<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________


Notes<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________<br />

______________________________________________________________________________

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!