PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB1368

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1368

Introduced
5/1/25  

Caption

In child protective services, further providing for definitions.

Impact

The introduction of this bill is expected to have a significant impact on the handling of child welfare cases within Pennsylvania. By refining the definitions used in the context of child protective services, it will provide a more structured approach to assessing situations involving children. This can lead to more consistent decision-making by child welfare workers and may enhance protections for children who are in precarious situations. Additionally, it may provide clearer guidelines for legal proceedings related to child welfare.

Summary

House Bill 1368 aims to amend Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically concerning child protective services. The bill focuses on further defining terms related to child welfare, particularly involving situations where a child may be at risk due to various circumstances. By establishing clearer definitions, the bill seeks to refine the criteria under which child protective services can intervene, thereby potentially increasing the efficacy of protective measures for at-risk children.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1368 largely appears supportive from child welfare advocates and professionals. Many see the need for clearer definitions as a beneficial move that could help streamline case assessments and interventions. However, there might also be concerns from various stakeholders regarding how these definitions are applied in practice and whether they could inadvertently lead to overreach in child protective services.

Contention

While the bill is framed as a positive improvement in child protective services, there may be points of contention among lawmakers and advocacy groups regarding the specifics of the definitions included. Critics may argue that some of the language might not adequately capture the nuances of individual cases, potentially leading to misinterpretations that could harm rather than help children in need. The balance between ensuring adequate protection and avoiding unnecessary intervention is likely to be a critical discussion point as the bill moves through the legislative process.

Latest PA HB1368 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB1368

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB324

In child protective services, further providing for definitions.

PA HB1125

In child protective services, further providing for definitions; and, in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions.

PA HB43

In child protective services, further providing for definitions.

PA HB1059

In child protective services, further providing for definitions.

PA HB310

In child protective services, further providing for definitions.

PA SB267

In offenses against the family, further providing for newborn protection; in child protective services, further providing for definitions and for taking child into protective custody; and, in newborn protection, further providing for definitions and for incubators for newborns, providing for health care providers at urgent care centers accepting newborns and further providing for reporting acceptance of newborns, for immunity, for duty of hospital and for duties of department.

PA HB1381

In juvenile matters, further providing for short title and purposes of chapter, for definitions, for scope of chapter, for powers and duties of probation officers, for summary offenses, for inspection of court files and records, for guardian ad litem for child in court proceedings, for transfer from criminal proceedings, for informal adjustment, for taking into custody, for detention of child, for release or delivery to court and for place of detention, providing for confinement in juvenile treatment facilities, further providing for notice and hearing, providing for questioning and interrogating a child, further providing for consent decree, providing for school stability for certain students, further providing for disposition of delinquent child, for limitation on and change in place of commitment and for transfer to criminal proceedings.

PA HB418

In child protective services, further providing for organization for child protective services.

PA HB2617

Further providing for definitions; and providing for benefits.

PA SB752

In juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of probation officers and for informal adjustment, providing for requirement of diversion and further providing for taking into custody, for detention of child, for release or delivery to court, for release from detention or commencement of proceedings, for informal hearing, for release or holding of hearing, for consent decree, for disposition of delinquent child and for limitation on and change in place of commitment.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.