The YAP Program is an alternative to having a juvenile charged with their criminal infraction and having the matter handled in Juvenile Court. Successfully completing YAP means the child won’t have a criminal record that can be found through background checks routinely done by colleges and employers. The program is also designed to help juvenile offenders avoid future contact with the juvenile justice system through the involvement and support of local community volunteers.

Referred to YAP:  What to Expect 

• The arresting police officer will talk with the parents/guardians and youth about the YAP Program.
• The police department will send the child’s YAP referral to the District Attorney’s Office.
• The child’s case will be assigned to the Youth Aid Panel in the community where the offense occurred. 
• Additional resources from a non-profit social service agency will be provided to some children to assist them with their involvement with the YAP Program.
• The parents/child will be contacted by the Panel Chair to schedule the required full-Panel meeting, which both the adults and child will be required to attend.
• During the Panel meeting, the child will be given an opportunity to explain the circumstances leading up to the offense.
• The Panel will give the child assignments—called resolutions—in the form of education, restitution and/or community service and a timeline for completing them.
• Once all assignments are completed, the child will meet with the Panel for an exit interview before the case is closed.