Giving thanks for volunteers

CENTER CITY -- Men and women who give their time to steer young people in the right direction were applauded for their efforts Monday night.

Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams thanked the volunteers of the Youth Aid Panels.

It's a diversion program for first-time juvenile offenders who are charged with minor offenses.

The adults mentor the city's youth and help them learn from their mistakes without them being entered into the criminal justice system.