Making Older Youth Permanency a Priority in Pennsylvania
On July 18, 2018, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a decision invalidating Act 80 of 2012 as unconstitutionally enacted. Several provisions were eliminated that would impact the well-being and permanency of children in the child welfare system, including language for the Kinship Care Program and authorized subsidies available for youth in permanent legal custodianships, and extended adoption and guardianship subsidies for youth ages 18 to 21.
Without these provisions, older youth in foster care were facing significant barriers to finding their forever home and achieving permanency. PPC advocated for these provisions to be reinstated because kinship care and permanency for all children, including older youth, should be a priority in Pennsylvania. We are happy to report that with the passage of Act 14 of 2019, the provisions have now been reinstated.
Resources on Older Youth Permanency
- Fact Sheet: Fostering Successful Youth Transitions in Pennsylvania: Laying the Groundwork for Positive Change
- FAQs: Fostering Successful Youth Transitions
- Pennsylvania Profile: Annie E. Casey Foundation 2018 Transition-Age Youth in Foster Care
- Video: House Children and Youth Committee Hearing on Older Foster Youth Permanency
- CBS-21 News Story: Project PA | May designated “Foster Care Awareness Month” as advocates push for reform