Removal of a child from their home, even for a brief period, is a traumatic event for the child and their family, and research shows that out-of-home placements in the juvenile justice system can lead to worse outcomes for most youth. To provide any benefit, placements must include safe, stable, and evidence-based care, but many young people in Pennsylvania’s child-serving systems – particularly those in out-of-home placement – feel unsafe and mistreated. HB 813 (Rep. Sappey) expands oversight of Pennsylvania’s child-serving systems by creating a permanent, statewide Office of the Child Advocate.

Reach out to your PA state representative and urge them to support this bill.

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Research shows that for most young people, particularly those who are assessed as low-risk or who commit lower severity offenses, out-of-home placement leads to worse outcomes than diversion or probation. However, when young people are removed from their homes to address delinquent behavior, they need safe, stable environments to foster positive development and transformation. HB 1600 (Rep. Shusterman) improves outcomes by limiting harmful practices in out-of-home placements and increasing oversight of Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system.

Reach out to your PA state representative and urge them to support this important bill.

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Pennsylvania schools refer youth to the juvenile justice system 2.7 times more often than the national average, with wide variation across counties. Children are entering into the juvenile justice system for normal childhood behavior like fighting with peers. Research shows that handling such behavior with school- and community-based resources instead of the court system reduces recidivism and leads to better long-term outcomes for kids. HB 1708 (Reps. Hill-Evans and Mihalek) decreases school-based arrests and referrals, expands school diversion, and increases academic supports for justice-involved students in Pennsylvania.

Contact your PA state legislators and urge them to support this important legislation.

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Research shows that most youth are not on a path toward adult crime, and over-involvement in the juvenile justice system can increase their likelihood of reoffending. HB 1381 (Rep. D. Miller) reduces the prosecution of children as if they were adults, expands diversion, limits detention and out-of-home placement, and tailors financial obligations in Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system.

Contact your PA state legislators and urge them to support this important legislation. 

Find out who represents you here.