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.