By: Terry Bruce, Director Victim Services

The District Attorney's office of Beaver County has received new Grant Funding to provide services under the new Bill of Rights for Victims of Juvenile Offenders. Vicky Pickrell, the new Juvenile Victim Advocate, will be attending hearings at Allencrest meeting victims in the waiting area and offering court accompaniment to all juvenile hearings and dispositions.

Under the Bill of Rights for Victims of Juvenile Offenders they have a right . . . . . . . . . . .

BASIC BILL OF RIGHTS FOR VICTIMS OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS YOU HAVE A RIGHT . . . . .

....to receive basic information on the services available.

....to be notified of significant actions and proceedings within the juvenile justice system.

....to be accompanied at all juvenile proceedings by a juvenile victim advocate.

....in personal injury crimes and burglary, to submit prior comment on a plea or informal adjustment or consent decree.

....to have the opportunity to submit a written victim impact statement to be considered by the Juvenile Master at a dispositional review hearing.

....to be restored, to the extent possible, for all losses not covered by insurance by court ordered restitution.

....in personal injury crimes, notification of the release, of the juvenile from placement, including leave or home pass.

....in personal injury crimes, immediate notice of the escape of the juvenile and the re-apprehension of the juvenile.

....to have assistance in the preparation, and submission of Crime Victim Compensation Claim for medical bills or funeral bills.

In collaboration with Juvenile Services improvements will be made for victims who attend the hearings at Allencrest Juvenile Court. The waiting area on the second floor will be set up with a check-in desk, new furniture, children play area, pamphlets and magazines. New program pamphlets and notification forms will be developed to get the message out to victims that these services are now available to them.

Police training will be offered by the District Attorney's to educate our local law enforcement to the newer services available and set up a referral system.

Our goal is to create and establish a network of services that will change the experience of the Victims of Juvenile Offenders with the juvenile justice system, to a more informed, involved and dignified one.

Submitted by Director of Victim Witness/Terry Bruce