JLC works to ensure that children and youth have timely access to evidence-based physical and behavioral (mental health and substance abuse) health care services. JLC particularly focuses on the health care needs of children and youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, as studies demonstrate a higher prevalence of both chronic physical health problems and behavioral health disorders among court-involved children and youth. We advocate for changes in laws, policy and practice to ensure: (1) youth do not have to enter either of these systems solely to access needed health care and (2) that once involved in these systems, youth receive all needed screens, assessments, evaluations, and treatment delivered.

To accomplish these objectives, JLC publishes a comprehensive manual reviewing Pennsylvania laws governing minors’ right to consent to various types of medical testing and treatment and the laws governing confidentiality of the resulting medical records. (link to publication). JLC monitors changes in these laws and comments on pending legislation in the Pennsylvania state legislature. JLC offers training to health care and other child-serving professionals on consent and confidentiality requirements.

JLC staff also serves as consultants and advisors to local, state and national projects aimed at improving health outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems We conduct trainings for child welfare and juvenile justice professionals on youth entitlements to physical and behavioral health care services, which include nuts-and-bolts information as to how these professionals may obtain such services for youth in their care.