Bill > HB1577

This bill amends the Human Services Code to establish comprehensive guidelines for ensuring safe and humane practices in facilities housing children involved in dependency or delinquency proceedings. The legislation strictly limits the use of restrictive procedures like chemical, manual, and mechanical restraints, seclusion, and invasive searches, mandating that such measures can only be used as an absolute last resort when a child poses an immediate risk of physical harm to themselves or others. The bill requires facilities to prioritize evidence-based practices, cultural competence, and educational access, and prohibits using restrictive procedures for punishment, retaliation, or administrative convenience. It establishes robust oversight mechanisms, including mandatory departmental inspections, public reporting requirements, and a detailed process for investigating and addressing violations. The bill also creates a comprehensive grievance system that allows children to report concerns without fear of retaliation and mandates quarterly public reports with disaggregated data on the use of restraints, seclusion, and educational programming, broken down by factors like race, gender, and disability status. Additionally, the bill defines key terms such as chemical restraint, exclusion, manual restraint, and mechanical restraint, providing clear guidelines for their interpretation and application in child care facilities.

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=1577