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November 14, 2011, 1:15 pm
The House Children and Youth Committee held an informational hearing on Child Welfare Services in Pennsylvania today. Among those who provided an overview of Child Welfare Services in Pennsylvania, Bev Mackereth, the Deputy Secretary of the Office of Children, Youth and Families within the Department of Public Welfare, told the committee that the “primary focus of Pennsylvania’s child welfare system is on the safety, permanency and well being of the children we serve.” This message was echoed throughout the testimony, as was the sentiment that child services needs to act creatively and collaboratively in order to act in the best interest of Pennsylvania’s children.
Look for the full story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.
June 23, 2010, 12:47 pm
The House Children and Youth Committee reported out HB 2571 and HB 2572 this morning. House Bill 2571 was not amended, but two amendments were adopted to HB 2572. No votes were unanimous and there was heavy questioning brought forward by several Republican committee members. Minority Chairman Dennis O’Brien and Rep. Christiana were the only Republicans to vote in favor of the bills and amendments. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
April 21, 2010, 12:15 pm
The House Children and Youth Committee held a voting meeting this morning to consider four bills that would reform the foster care system in Pennsylvania. HBs 2297, 2258, 2338, 2429 were all reported to the House floor as amended. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
March 16, 2010, 11:11 am
The House Children and Youth Committee held an informational hearing on youth “aging” out of foster care. During the meeting, the members discuss House Bill 2297. Committee members heard testimony from the Director of the Children’s Advocacy Clinic for the Penn State Dickinson School of Law, a foster care case manager and a former foster youth. Check out the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
January 21, 2010, 1:45 pm
The House Children and Youth Committee held a public hearing on HB 685, a bill dealing with the regulation of family day care facilities. Testimony was taken from the Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare, industry representatives, and a user of family day care facilities. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the entire story.
December 3, 2009, 1:52 pm
The committee conducted an informational meeting on the implementation of Act 33 of 2008 and reports on child abuse related fatalities and near fatalities. DPW Secretary Estelle Richman reported that in 2008, 50 children died as a result of abuse or neglect and 24 children nearly died. She said this is the highest number of child deaths in Pennsylvania since 2002. Charles Songer, Executive Director of the PA Children & Youth Administrators also testified regarding the implementation of Act 33. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the complete story.
November 10, 2009, 11:04 am
This morning the House Commerce Committee met to hear testimony on HB 1776, the Housing and Economic Revitalization Act. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. John Bear (R-Lancaster), would attempt to stimulate job growth in the housing industry by providing tax incentives for new and existing home purchases and home improvements. Representatives of the housing industry, PHFA, and the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania offered testimony on the subject. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
November 9, 2009, 2:31 pm
The committee met to consider one bill. HB 1977 was reported as amended with Rep. Jim Cox (R-Berks), Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Schuylkill), and Rep. Will Tallman (R-York) voting in the negative. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
November 5, 2009, 12:30 pm
The House Children and Youth Committee amended and reported out HB 1907 and HB 1303 this morning, measures relating to adoption agency records and breastfeeding respectively. HB 1977, providing for a comprehensive, annual state plan relating to child daycare and early childhood development programs was tabled following objections by members to the consideration of a late-filed amendment. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
August 27, 2009, 1:05 pm
The committee held a public hearing on foster care and adoption initiatives. Committee members heard from a wide range of speakers including Secretary Estelle Richman of the Department of Public Welfare, who gave an overview of the Department’s initiatives and spoke about the positive impact Family Finding has had on permanency.  County commissioners, human service directors and representatives from the courts and other county entities from across the state tossed in their perspectives as well. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
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