Bill > HB144

This bill amends Pennsylvania law concerning juvenile matters, primarily focusing on "informal adjustment," which is a process where a probation officer or court official attempts to resolve a juvenile case without filing a formal petition, often by referring the child and their parents to social agencies for assistance or counseling. The bill expands the definition of "dependent child" to include situations where a child's parent has had their parental rights to another child involuntarily terminated within the last three years and the parent's conduct poses a risk. It also broadens the scope of informal adjustment and "diversion programs," which are alternatives to formal processing in the juvenile system, by allowing them for more types of cases and clarifying their terms. Key changes include extending the time limits for informal adjustment, prohibiting monetary obligations beyond restitution, and ensuring victims are notified and have an opportunity to provide input before a juvenile is accepted into a diversion program, with a provision for a court hearing if a victim opposes the program. The bill also makes an editorial change to clarify that an admission of guilt is not required for informal adjustment or diversion.

Budget and Finance, Education, Justice

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb144