This bill amends the Human Services Code to enhance the availability and effectiveness of public child welfare services in Pennsylvania. It mandates that the Department of Human Services conduct an inventory of programs addressing delinquency every three years, in collaboration with local judges and stakeholders, and requires the results to be publicly disseminated. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section outlining the purposes of child welfare services, which include protecting children from abuse and neglect, preserving family unity, and providing rehabilitation programs for delinquent children. The department is tasked with prioritizing nonplacement services, kinship care, and short-term institutional placements to ensure children's welfare and community safety.

Furthermore, the bill requires the department to develop a publicly accessible data dashboard in collaboration with the Juvenile Court Judges' Commission, which will provide real-time statistics on juvenile placements, including demographic breakdowns and facility information. It also mandates the collection and dissemination of statistics related to placement instability, such as the number of children rejected or removed from facilities, to inform policy improvements. The act is set to take effect in 60 days.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1861 (Jun 09, 2025): P.L.31, No.21