Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1767

Introduced
10/17/23  

Caption

In State institutions in the Department of Public Welfare, providing for reporting allegations of abuse; in departmental powers and duties as to supervision, further providing for definitions; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for definitions, for fees and for right to enter and inspect and providing for inspection of out-of-home placements for youth adjudicated delinquent.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1767 has the potential to significantly bolster the state's child welfare system by providing clearer protocols for reporting allegations of abuse. By detailing the entities that must be notified following an incident, the bill aims to create a more rigorous oversight structure. Furthermore, it establishes provisions for the expeditious review of allegations made by youth or their guardians, which can lead to improved safety and supportive measures for affected individuals, thereby strengthening the state's commitment to safeguard at-risk populations in out-of-home placements.

Summary

House Bill 1767 amends the Human Services Code to enhance the reporting and oversight of allegations of child abuse within State institutions. The bill mandates the Department of Public Welfare to promptly report any allegations of abuse involving youth in these institutions to relevant judicial and county officials. This timely notification aims to ensure a swift and coordinated response to incidents of abuse and to protect vulnerable youth. Additionally, the legislation empowers the Office of State Inspector General to oversee and investigate these allegations, thereby increasing accountability within state-run facilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1767 reflects a generally positive outlook from child advocacy groups and legislators concerned about child welfare. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step towards improving oversight and ensuring that abuse allegations are handled swiftly and effectively. However, some concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of resources for the entities involved in monitoring and reviewing these allegations, indicating some apprehension about whether these changes will be fully implemented as intended.

Contention

While HB 1767 has garnered support for its protective measures, points of contention have emerged regarding the practical implications of its enforcement. Critics express concern over the potential strain on the judicial and review systems, which may already be underfunded and overburdened. There is also a concern that without sufficient training and resources for staff responsible for implementing these changes, the bill may not achieve its objectives effectively. Thus, while the legislative intent is commendable, the efficacy of its execution remains a key area of focus.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1600

In departmental powers and duties as to supervision, providing for Keystone STARS Program; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for fees, providing for Keystone STARS Program and further providing for definition.

PA HB1020

In departmental powers and duties as to supervision, providing for Keystone STARS Program; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for fees, providing for Keystone STARS Program and further providing for definition.

PA HB1002

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for definitions and providing for inspection for continuing conformity to license.

PA HB1746

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for definitions.

PA SB650

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for right to enter and inspect.

PA HB819

In departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for definitions and providing for food allergy guidelines.

PA HB1600

In children and youth, further providing for availability of services, providing for purposes, further providing for payments to counties for services to children, for review of county submissions and for statistics and assistance for research, providing for ensuring safe and humane institutional practices and further providing for study of delinquents and recommendations to courts; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for refusal to issue license, revocation and notice.

PA HB1555

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in pupils and attendance, providing for educational oversight for juveniles in facilities, further providing for possession of weapons prohibited and providing for placement of certain adjudicated students; in safe schools, further providing for definitions and for reporting and providing for School-Based Diversion Programs Fund; in school security, further providing for powers and duties and providing for limitations on proceedings and arrest; and, in school districts of the first class, repealing provisions relating to placement of certain adjudicated students.

PA HB1706

In Office of State Inspector General, further providing for definitions and for powers, purpose and duties.

PA HB36

In Office of State Inspector General, further providing for definitions and for powers, purpose and duties.

Similar Bills

CA AB2247

Foster youth: case plan: placement changes.

CA SB1042

Health facilities and clinics: clinical placements: nursing.

CA AB1061

Foster care.

AR HB1811

To Require The Department Of Human Services To File A Motion When It Recommends A Nonemergency Change In A Child's Placement From One Foster Home To Another And For A Hearing To Be Held Before The Change In Placement Occurs.

CA AB2776

Residential care facilities: placement of children.

CA AB531

Foster youth: housing.

TX SB1789

Relating to the stability of placements for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB3399

Relating to the stability of placements for children in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services.