1. Running head: TWO JUVENILE PROBATION PROGRAMS 1
A Brief Discussion of Two Juvenile Probation Programs
Tyson G. Campbell, III
American Intercontinental University
Advanced Topics in Corrections, CRJS450
April 9, 2016

2. TWO JUVENILE PROBATION PROGRAMS 2
Abstract
This essay will briefly compare two juvenile probation programs working in the author's city of
Philadelphia. The first is The Intensive Probation Aftercare Program of Philadelphia and the
second is The Police Athletic League of Philadelphia. As a means of comparison, several points
are discussed with each. These include: A short description of the program, their successes, their
failures, and the improvements they made over time. This is followed by the author's opinion of
which program is the better of the two and ways that it can be further improved. Finally, a
conclusion to the work is then offered.

3. TWO JUVENILE PROBATION PROGRAMS 3
A Brief Discussion of Two Juvenile Probation Programs
The Intensive Probation Aftercare Program of Philadelphia
The city of Philadelphia's Juvenile Probation Department has within it a sub-organization
called the Intensive Probation Aftercare Program, or IAP. The IAP came into being when
research showed that delinquents that were more violent and seriously habitual were not being
properly served by the state. At least a part of this was due to the probation officer's very large
and never-ending supply of cases, resulting in lesser contacts of these youths. This led to fewer
specialized community resources and services (Bilchik, 1999).
This program exists in several states throughout the nation and Philadelphia's is one of
the most prominent. The IAP is a community based initiative that is fully supported by the
Office of Juvenile Justice of Philadelphia. It is designed to lower recidivism of parolees who
may be at high risk by better readying them to return to their communities. Research showed
that giving these individuals great attention and structure would enhance their transition and
reduce any negative effect they may have on their communities (Gies, 2003).
IAP Successes
When an evaluation study was conducted of this incredible program, important
information was learned. The study involved youths that were mostly African-American (81%),
with average age of 17.2 years, average of five arrests, and average of nearly 11 months
incarcerated. It is important to note that this program was designed to service juveniles that were
adjudicated for robbery, arson, aggravated assault, felony-level narcotics, or rape. Each
probation officer was assigned only twelve juveniles. When they were incarcerated, the officers
were expected to meet with them at least monthly. They also had to meet monthly with the
families and institution staff as they prepared the youth's post-leave guidelines. Once the youth

4. TWO JUVENILE PROBATION PROGRAMS 4
leaves confinement, the officer was given guidelines on the amount of contacts he is to make
with the youth and parents each week, (declining over time) and how to include contact during
evenings and weekends (Bilchik, 1999).
Years of research were incorporated in order to insure the program's success. In order to
better understand chronic delinquency, all three modern criminological theories were integrated:
Strain, Social Control, and Social Learning. The model followed theories of inadequate
socialization and organization producing poor individual control, causing strain and leading to
even weaker control, and influences of peers interfering with youths and positive influences,
leading to more strain and more delinquency (Gies, 2003).
IAP Failures
In practice, it has been seen that these programs yield mixed results. This is most
probably because of the methods in which the programs were implemented, and not necessarily a
flaw in the concept (Gies, 2003). On the outset, supervising officers were given their caseloads
and they, in turn, conducted their regular non-individualized approach to youths in their
charge. Contact with juveniles during non-business hours was less than hoped, leading to many
problems. Though the start of the program was enthusiastic, the department experienced rapid
turnover, leading to staffing problems, confusion, and general turmoil (probably further feeding
the turnover problem). This often left the program without proper supervision for lengthy
periods of time (Bilchik, 1999).
IAP Improvements
IAP programs continue to evolve, and now encompass many programs, mixing
community involvement with close intervention to better prepare these youths. Needed in the
program was the implementation of a "graduated response capability in the form of incentives

5. TWO JUVENILE PROBATION PROGRAMS 5
and consequences," (Bilchik, 1999). When this was accomplished, the program saw better
success. Instead of rigidly following a single model, many programs are varied in their design
and approach. But, the key issue is that the transition remains structured, with a timed period of
follow-up in which close surveillance and community services are given (Gies, 2003).
The Police Athletic League of Philadelphia
The Police Athletic League of Philadelphia is all about their motto: "Cops Helping Kids."
They have been in operation in this east coast city since 1947. Within three years almost 2400
young men were enrolled in their many programs, focusing on after school sports. Backing the
program from the start were private companies, foundations, and tireless volunteers. This
juvenile operation (affectionately nicknamed, Philly PAL) is tightly focused on "preventing
juvenile crime and violence by building the bond between cops and kids and making a positive
difference in the lives of young people and contribute to the overall quality of life in
Philadelphia" ("PAL," 2014).
Each PAL center is supervised full-time by a Philadelphia police officer. It is a large
city, and so has 18 centers spaced throughout it and the city's Juvenile Probation Department
does use it to assist in the reintegration of youths back into their communities. The centers are
open and free to all youths between the ages of 6-18, and each afternoon from 3pm to 9pm they
service thousands of boys and girls in educational programs, cultural programs, and of course,
sports ("PAL," 2014).
PAL's Successes
Philly PAL's P.D. Director, Sally Berlin works tirelessly to make the program shine its
brightest. A well-lauded achievement of hers is creating the Lockheed Martin PAL Day at
Philadelphia's famous City Hall. Each year, this event has dozens of PAL youth leaders sworn-

6. TWO JUVENILE PROBATION PROGRAMS 6
in as public officials, then they spend the day accompanying the adult officials, such as the
Mayor, City Council President, District Attorney and many others (Cook, 2014). This particular
program is applauded for showing youths a side of the criminal justice system they never before
imagined.
The number of programs that Philly PAL provides for boys and girls are extensive and
continue to grow and be more relevant to them. At present, they include: Sports leagues,
tutoring, mentoring, educational tournaments, mock trial role-play, running community faires,
game tournaments, caring for community gardens, job interview role-play, soup kitchen
volunteering, etc. ("PAL Kids," 2015).
The Philadelphia PAL organization also provides scholarship opportunities. To be
eligible, youths must show good scores in school, excellent community service, and have a true
financial need. In twenty years, they have awarded well over $100,000 to deserving youths,
delivered through the center they attend ("PAL," 2014). This last part is important, as it helps to
prevent delinquency and shows real benefits that both community volunteering and strong
academics can bring.
PAL's Failures
Over the decades, the Police Athletic League has had a phenomenal record of success, so
finding any real failures is a challenge. However, with athletics being a key part of the program,
there are areas there that have shown vulnerability. One area would be a coach who is hyper-
focused on winning as opposed to the betterment of the youngsters and enjoyment of the
game. When it comes to organized sports, proper and correct leadership is important for youths
to getting the most out of the programs. A second vulnerability is the ever-present risk for
youths to be injured. Care must even be taken with non-contact sports such as bowling or tennis,

7. TWO JUVENILE PROBATION PROGRAMS 7
for they too bring risk of injury. The danger here is that serious injury may cause a youngster to
hesitate in future chances to play sports (Silverman, 2013).
The Best Program Choice to Combat Delinquency and ways to Make it Better
This author believes that between these two, it is the Police Athletic League that is the
better program to both rehabilitate delinquent youths and to prevent delinquency in the first
place. Its unwavering commitment to providing afternoon and evening programs as well (as
weekend programs) has a record of success going back to the mid 1930's. The tremendous
support it receives from city officials and private organizations is unprecedented. It also has its
own rate of recidivism, as many program participants return as welcomed and valued volunteers.
This is a good form of recidivism that provides PAL programs nationwide with fine, dedicated,
and successful men and women who continue to supervise, guide, and mentor the participating
youth.
Conclusion
Both the Intensive Probation Aftercare Program of Philadelphia and The Police Athletic
League of Philadelphia have at their cores, the desire to assist youths in their probation efforts to
successfully re-establish themselves in their communities. While they are organized and run
very differently, both recognize the importance of working with kids closely, providing them
varied types of activities, giving them attention outside of daytime business hours, and providing
them the means of attaining pride and reward for their efforts. Both programs have their
challenges, but both are successful and with room for further growth and improvement.

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References
Bilchik, S. (1999, July 1). The Philadelphia intensive probation aftercare program. Retrieved
from http://www.ojjdp.gov/jjbulletin/9907_3/phili.html
Cook, B. (2014, October 28). 'Sally' Berlin, 97, PAL's dynamo of P.R. Retrieved from
http://articles.philly.com/2014-10-28/news/55525972_1_center-city-dynamo-michelle-
obama
Gies, S. (2003, September 1). Juvenile justice practices series - Aftercare services. Retrieved
from https://www.ncjrs.gov/html/ojjdp/201800/page4.html
PAL 2014 scholarship luncheon. (2014, July 1). The All PAL Bulletin. Retrieved from
https://phillypal.wordpress.com/2014/07/01/2014-pal-scholarship-luncheon/
PAL kids closed out 2014 celebrating holidays with friends, mentors, and supporters. (2015,
January 13). The All PAL Bulletin. Retrieved from
https://phillypal.wordpress.com/2015/01/13/pal-kids-closed-out-2014-celebrating-
holidays-with-friends-mentors-and-supporters/
Silverman, S. (2013, August 16). The negative effects of youth sports. Retrieved from
http://www.livestrong.com/article/95532-negative-effects-youth-sports/