Recent news

Before we kick the door closed on 2020, there were lessons learned and wisdom shared to carry into the new year as resolutions for 2021. In November and December, Juvenile Law Center hosted a series of five 45-minute conversations in commemoration of our 45th Anniversary.

The next meeting of the Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice Task Force is scheduled for November 20, 2020 from 1-3 p.m.

I am a survivor of sexual violence. I worked as an advocate for survivors of sexual and domestic violence for five years. I sat with survivors as they recounted some of the worst moments of their lives, underwent invasive evidence collection, and wrestled with the decision of whether to make a police report.

Juvenile Law Center collaborated with over 20 national advocacy organizations to write A Way In For Young People Transitioning from Foster Care, a memo to the Biden Transition Team recommending six immediate actions the incoming administration can take to respond to the needs of transition age youth with experience in foster care.

The child welfare system is expansive - sometimes overbearing - and uniquely complex in the outcomes it can deliver. Equally as complex are the young people that enter and exit, and the lives they choose to lead. Many of us take on roles to improve the lives of other vulnerable populations, whether they are in the child welfare system or not.

Amidst the COVID pandemic, the racial justice reckoning in our hearts and in our streets, and the increasingly toxic rhetoric of the 2020 elections, many of us are looking for ways we can step out of our usual routine, make connections despite our COVID precautions, and perhaps learn something new.

The major findings from the data are: (1) there are significant racial disparities in the youth that are charged/convicted as adults, (2) costs/fees represent the largest portion of financial obligations assessed against youth, and (3) the total amount of costs/fees assessed has increased 12% since 2009.

As National Kinship Care month ends, we wanted to reflect on all that we have learned from kin, families, and youth who have provided their brave and honest thoughts for how we can improve our state and national practices surrounding family preservation. There are many policy improvements that can be made, and this final blog in the series will focus on recommendations for lawmakers to consider.

It is said that the most fortunate people are those who have found a calling. When I wandered into the field of child advocacy over 30 years ago, I quickly became one of those fortunate people. I love my work and I am grateful to have worked alongside many passionate and talented lawyers for children.

Traditionally, the world of child welfare has been one that is unpredictable and rather complicated to navigate.  This year has proven to be a challenge, making resources even more scarce due to a pervasive need for support. With so many grabbing at the same bag of resources, it has become crucial to become creative with how to support those we serve.