County staff pursuing assessment center and coordinating with Chester deflection program under federal and state grants

Chris Welsh, the county’s deputy director for human services and community programs, told the board staff are using an OJJDP planning grant to assess the feasibility of creating an assessment center in Delaware County to divert young people from the juvenile justice system. He said meetings with community partners have been convened and that the Chester Education Foundation recently received PCCD funding for a deflection program with similar goals.

Welsh said county staff are trying to coordinate efforts with the Chester group to avoid duplicating services and hoped to have a program or deflection center up and running in the coming months. The county also invited board members and regional partners to tour the Berks County facility being considered for a regional center.

Why it matters: An assessment center or deflection program would provide a way to offer services to youth without formal juvenile detention, potentially reducing out-of-home placements, improving family access, and better aligning county spending with programs that supporters say reduce recidivism.

What’s next: Staff will continue community meetings, coordinate with the Chester Education Foundation, and complete the feasibility and financial analyses needed to recommend a course of action to the board.