Bill > HB1576

This bill amends the Human Services Code to update how the state reimburses counties for certain children and youth services, focusing primarily on legal and support services for children involved in juvenile, dependency, and criminal proceedings. The bill modifies the state's reimbursement percentages for various child welfare services, including child welfare services, foster care, and legal proceedings. Specifically, the bill provides detailed guidance on state funding for legal expenses such as appointing guardians ad litem, appointing counsel for children in dependency and delinquency proceedings, and supporting educational advocacy. The legislation emphasizes that reimbursements for legal services should supplement, not replace, existing county funding, and requires counties to prioritize expenditures in ways that maintain or improve legal services for juveniles according to national best practices. The bill updates terminology, removes references to an older Juvenile Act, and clarifies the state's responsibilities in supporting county-level child welfare and legal services. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill's enactment, with the goal of providing more comprehensive and strategic financial support for children's legal and welfare services at the county level.

Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1576