Chesco Earns National Award For Juvenile Expungement Program

WEST CHESTER, PA — A Chester County Court service that offers juveniles who have successfully completed a diversion program the option to have their record expunged when they turn 18, has garnered national acclaim.

The National Association of Counties granted the juvenile probation department an achievement award for its Fresh Start Juvenile Record Expungement program.

The award honors innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

The award was given to the juvenile probation, district attorney and clerk of courts offices and President Judge John L. Hall.

Since its start in August 2o19, more than 150 people each year have had their records expunged so that, a one-time misdemeanor does not turn into a longer sentence that prevents future opportunities.

“This expungement service for juveniles is valuable for counties like ours, where the unemployment rate is low,” County Clerk of Courts Yolanda Van de Krol said.
Don Corry, Chester County’s director of juvenile probation said the program is typically for first-time offenders who have committed a minor offense and are assessed as low risk for reoffending.
“Expungement at the age of 18 helps those young people who made one minor, yet still illegal, mistake put the past behind them as they move on to higher education, employment and become contributing adults in society,” Corry said.

Larry Johnson, president of the National Association of Counties, said all across the country, counties are working tirelessly to support residents.
“This year’s Achievement Award-winning programs showcase how counties work every day to build healthy, safe, and thriving communities,” Johnson said.