Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor said that his office will use a $50,000 grant to clear the records of former juvenile offenders who have satisfied all other conditions of the judgments against them.

Juvenile records typically are cleared at age 21 if all judgments are satisfied. If fines and fees are not paid in full, however, those charges remain on their record, often presenting obstacles in their efforts to find housing or employment.

“This program will benefit youth who have paid for their mistakes and are seeking a fresh start,” O’Connor said. “Their prospects for success are hindered as long as monetary judgments which they are unable to pay remain on their record. I am pleased to be able to devote these private grant funds received by my office to this effort to help young people overcome this hurdle to achieving their potential.”

The office received the grant in 2020 from the Cities & Counties Fine and Fee Justice Initiative of PolicyLink, a national research and action institute working to advance racial and economic equality.

A Fines and Fees working group convened by the Controller’s Office created the grant program, which will distribute the funds within Allegheny County.

The Controller’s Office conducted a review of outstanding fines and fees, which showed nearly $478 million in unpaid fines, fees and restitution from more than 250,000 cases, which officials said likely stretches back decades. For cases with balances at the end of 2020, 83% of fines, fees and restitution assessed were outstanding.

“I’m hopeful that this grant program for select former juvenile offenders can show that relieving fines and fees can be an effective strategy for helping recipients build brighter futures, and that this may lead to government or private funding organizations pursuing similar efforts moving forward,” O’Connor said. “As controller, I am committed to exploring this type of innovative initiative which can have real impact on our residents and communities.”

The Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender will develop guidelines for the program, including which offenses are eligible for the program and the amount available for each applicant.

O’Connor became the Allegheny County controller earlier this month, replacing former Controller Chelsa Wagner, who was elected an Allegheny County Common Pleas judge.

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