The proposed bill amends Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to create the RECLAIM Program and the RECLAIM Advisory Committee, which are designed to enhance services for delinquent juveniles. It introduces a new subchapter, Subchapter H, detailing the program's purpose, definitions, and the establishment of county delinquent youth care and custody funds. The RECLAIM Program will provide financial assistance to juvenile courts for developing services related to the care and custody of delinquent youth, with specific guidelines for application processes and funding uses. The bill ensures that funds allocated for the program are not commingled with other county funds and cannot be used for capital construction projects.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Human Services in administering the program, including the review and approval of funding applications. It establishes the RECLAIM Advisory Committee, which will consist of key state officials, including members from the Judiciary Committees and the Juvenile Court Judges' Commission. The bill also authorizes the department to create temporary regulations for the advisory committee's functions, with a requirement to establish permanent regulations within a specified timeframe. The General Assembly is responsible for appropriating necessary funds for the program, and the act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 3525 (Jun 05, 2026): 42-63