In Pennsylvania, youth involved in the juvenile justice system courts and their families may be held financially liable for costs related to formal adjustments, summons, warrants, and the cost of care of children placed outside the home. This report examines data from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) on juvenile system costs, fees, and fines to analyze the state of juvenile system fees and fines in Pennsylvania between 2018 and August 2024. The report finds significant variation in how counties assess and collect juvenile-related fees and fines, with some imposing substantially higher costs than others. Despite the variations, most youth and families are unable to pay their balances in full or promptly. Collections contribute minimally to county budgets and fail to achieve the stated goals of accountability or public safety. Citing growing research that suggests that monetary sanctions increase youth recidivism, the report concludes that fines and fees are counterproductive to rehabilitation and calls for their complete elimination in Pennsylvania. It also situates the state’s practices within the broader national landscape, noting that an increasing number of states have repealed similar juvenile monetary sanctions.
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Key Findings:
- 24 states have passed legislation to eliminate some or all juvenile system fees and fines.
- From 2018 to mid-2024, Pennsylvania juvenile courts assessed children and their families approximately $14 million in fines, fees, and court costs.
- Over $12 million in fees and almost $2 million in fines.
- In 2023, the average youth was assessed $311, but the average payment was only $166.
- In 2022, the fees collected accounted for less than 1 percent of the county budget in each county, and fees made up less than 0.01 percent of the budget in 17 counties.
Recommendations:
- Pennsylvania Courts and counties should stop assessing youths and their families juvenile system fees and fines.