Report targets ‘systemic failures’ in schooling for Pennsylvania children in foster care

Pennsylvania children in foster care are less likely to graduate from high school, have lower standardized test scores and are suspended at higher rates than their peers, according to a new report by two advocacy groups. These children are already grappling with the trauma of separation from their biological families and uncertainty about what their […]

How Philly can look to New Jersey to fix its child welfare system

New Jersey also has the third-lowest child mortality rate in the country, one that has been stable for years, according to a 2022 federal report. With fewer foster care cases, child welfare workers can devote more time to those cases where real danger may be present, Carre-Lee said. Philadelphia, by comparison, “still faces the risk […]

Groups oppose Medicaid cuts threatening coverage for 3 million PA residents

In Pennsylvania and nationwide, federal safety net programs may face major cutbacks as President Donald Trump’s administration pushes for budget reductions. The House GOP plan proposes cutting Medicaid funding by $2.5 trillion. Currently, 3 million Pennsylvanians are insured through Medicaid. Becky Ludwick, vice president of public policy for Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, said her group and more […]

With Pa. child mistreatment reports on the rise, advocates call for community action, policy reform

Child abuse cases are on the rise, and advocates say better community support and training could make the difference in ensuring those numbers don’t continue to climb. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services released its latest data on child abuse and neglect in its annual Child Protective Services Report. After a notable drop in reports from 2019 […]

The system leaves foster care youth behind. A West Virginia nonprofit wants to change that.

Statewide data from Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children paints a clear yet troubling picture. Among young adults with foster care experience in 2021, nearly a quarter did not have stable housing, almost half did not have part-time or full-time employment and only 25% had post-secondary enrollment.  Independent living services, such as vocational training, tuition aid and housing vouchers, […]

State of the Child

 

Register with PPC to stay informed.