The City of Williamsport is excited to announce the renewal of the Williamsport Youth Commission. Youth Commissions were created throughout Lycoming County by the Honorable Thomas C. Raup during the 1980s. Judge Raup presided over juvenile cases during his entire career and had a tremendous passion for the youth that appeared before him and felt the need to intervene before they became more serious offenders. The Youth Commission operated successfully for many years, but participation has dwindled over the past decade. The need, however, for this effective diversion program still exists. With this in mind, Judge Joy Reynolds McCoy, who currently presides over the Juvenile Court System, along with a number of local individuals, has revived the Youth Commissions in Lycoming County. This initiative will be known as The Honorable Thomas C. Raup Memorial Youth Commission.

The Youth Commissions are created as most problems involving youths can be best handled within the community. The Commission is comprised of volunteer community members who are able to promptly restore the harm done to the victim and community as well as hold the youth accountable for the offense close in time to its occurrence. Additionally, the Youth Commission provides the opportunity for the young offender to be connected with positive role models in our community. These connections are invaluable as they will assist our youth to become productive members of society while, at the same time, help to prevent them from getting criminal records as repeat offenders.

The interest level from the community regarding the revitalization of the Williamsport Youth Commission has been extremely high and we look forward to a successful launch. The potential positive impact, not just on the youth but our community as a whole, cannot be overstated.

Mayor Derek Slaughter will serve as chairperson of the Williamsport Youth Commission as we look forward to its successful implementation by November. Youth Commissions in other areas of Lycoming County will follow. Updates will be shared as the Youth Commission progresses forward.