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1. What happens when a juvenile is referred to the Juvenile Probation Department?

After an Intake meeting with a probation officer, the juvenile and their guardian there are several directions a case could go. The determination is based largely on the cooperation or lack thereof by the juvenile.

2. May a juvenile be fingerprinted or photographed?

Yes, this is standard procedure.

3. What happens when a juvenile is detained?

A juvenile is taken into custody in order to protect the person or property of others; he/she is considered a threat to themselves; or because the juvenile may abscond.

4. Are certain cases involving juveniles handled by the District Justice?

Yes. If a child is charged only with committing a Summary offense, the case is handled by the District Justice. Summary offenses include most motor violations (except DUI, Fleeing or Eluding Police, and Homicide by Vehicle) and a number of criminal offenses such as Disorderly Conduct, Underage Drinking, and Criminal Mischief (damages less than $500) and Retail Theft (first offense less than $150).

The District Justice has the authority to find the juvenile innocent or guilty of the offense and impose fines and costs.

5. Who is responsible for paying the fines and costs assessed by the District Justice in a case involving a child?

It is the defendant’s responsibility to pay the fines and costs, and since the child is the defendant in this matter, it is the child’s responsibility.

6. Are parents responsible for paying for all of the damages caused by their children?

No. In Pennsylvania, parents are limited in the amount of restitution that they may have to pay towards damages caused by their children. For one offense, a parent’s limit is set at $1,000 and for multiple offenses; the parent’s limit of liability is set at $2,500. If the damage caused by the child exceeds the parents limit of liability, the child is solely responsible for the damages.

7. How many cases does the Fayette County Juvenile Probation Office handle?

On any given day, there are about 200 children being actively supervised by the Fayette County Juvenile Probation Office. Of this number, about 180 are living within the community with their parents or guardians while 20 are in placement at various group homes or residential facilities.

8. What are the qualifications to become a Juvenile Probation Officer?

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have a BA or BS from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 18 credits in the social or behavioral sciences, have a valid drivers license, and otherwise be of good character. Employments inquiries should be directed to the County’s Office of Human Services.

9. Does the Fayette County Juvenile Probation Office accept interns?

Yes. The Fayette County Juvenile Probation Office has been accepting interns from local colleges and universities for well over 35 years. College juniors or seniors interested in doing an internship should contact the office directly and ask to speak with the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer.