Juvenile Treatment Court (JTC) sits within the City of Philadelphia’s Family Court. JTC supports non-violent adolescent offenders with substance use treatment as an alternative to incarceration. The goal is to motivate and support participants to complete the program and graduate, at which point their charges will be dismissed.
An interdisciplinary team, led by the presiding JTC judge and the JTC Review Team, manages the treatment program.
Several entities comprise the JTC Review Team: Clinical Evaluation Unit (CEU) staff at PHMC, a dedicated Judge, Public Defender, District Attorney, School District Representative, Juvenile Probation Department and Family Court Juvenile Services staff.
Services
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Behavioral health assessments (conducted by the CEU)
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Based on the results of the assessment, PHMC evaluators refer participants to appropriate treatment.
Once a participant completes the program, and they remain arrest-free for one year, they’re qualified to have their criminal record expunged. Failure to complete the treatment and related requirements may result in incarceration.
Referrals & Eligibility
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The District Attorney refers participants to JTC. Once a juvenile is arrested, the District Attorney reviews their record to confirm legal eligibility.
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JTC serves juveniles aged 14 to 17 years, charged with a non-violent offense, with a history of no more than two prior (and non-violent) offenses.
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Must be a resident of Philadelphia.