This bill creates the RECLAIM Program in Pennsylvania to help juvenile courts improve care and services for young people involved in the justice system. It requires the Department of Human Services to set up an application process where courts can request funding for operational costs related to diagnosis, treatment, and alternative placement facilities. The legislation also mandates that each county establish its own delinquent youth care and custody fund to support these initiatives. Additionally, the bill establishes a RECLAIM Advisory Committee and requires that funded programs ensure equal access for minority youth.
This bill requires Pennsylvania county agencies and juvenile probation officers to use a specific screening process when interacting with children who may be dependent or delinquent. The goal is to identify whether these children are currently victims of human trafficking or are at risk of becoming victims, particularly those involved in sexual servitude. If a child is identified through this screening, the agency must immediately connect them with specialized support services designed for sexually exploited minors. The law takes effect 90 days after it is signed into action.
This bill requires health insurance policies and government programs in Pennsylvania to cover behavioral health services for children involved in the juvenile justice system. It mandates that insurers provide funding for screenings, assessments, and treatments related to mental health conditions and substance use disorders during specific legal proceedings, such as mandatory intake conferences and informal adjustments. The legislation also establishes clear definitions for terms like "behavioral health provider" and "screening" to ensure consistent application of these coverage requirements. By integrating mental health support into the juvenile justice process, the bill aims to address the needs of youth facing delinquency charges while maintaining a neutral focus on policy implementation.
This bill updates Pennsylvania laws to restrict how juvenile suspects are held in police lockups and defines where they can be detained before a court hearing. It generally prohibits keeping children in adult police facilities, allowing it only for short periods under six hours for tasks like identification or processing, provided the child is separated from adults and under constant supervision. For longer-term detention, the law requires judges to confirm that no less restrictive option exists and mandates that children be placed in approved juvenile facilities rather than adult prisons. Additionally, the bill clarifies that children facing serious charges are entitled to an immediate bail hearing if they are held before trial.
This bill creates a new program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to fund the investigation and prosecution of internet crimes against children. It authorizes the commission to provide grants to law enforcement agencies for establishing task forces that specialize in investigating online sexual offenses and human trafficking involving minors. The funding can also be used to supplement existing federal grants and to train investigators and prosecutors in handling these specific cases. Additionally, the bill requires the commission to set guidelines for awarding these grants, ensuring they are distributed across different geographic areas.
This bill creates a new fee in Pennsylvania courts to help fund support services for children who are victims of specific sexual offenses and crimes against minors. When a person is convicted, pleads guilty, or enters a diversion program for these crimes, they must pay a fee ranging from $250 to $1,000 depending on the severity of the offense. The collected money goes into a state fund that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency uses to provide grants to children's advocacy centers. Courts are required to allow defendants who cannot afford the fee to pay it in installments, and the bill ensures that any restitution owed to victims is paid before this fee is collected.
This bill establishes the Domestic Violence Home Security Grant Program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to provide financial assistance to victims of domestic violence. The program allows eligible individuals to purchase residential security measures such as reinforced locks, security cameras, alarm systems, and motion-detection lighting to enhance their home safety. Applicants must submit documentation proving they are victims of abuse, and the commission may prioritize funding for those facing elevated risks, such as recent separation from an abuser or the presence of children. All personal information provided by applicants will remain confidential, and the commission is responsible for reviewing applications, determining grant amounts, and notifying applicants of decisions.
This bill updates Pennsylvania's juvenile justice laws by expanding the legal definition of a "child" to include individuals up to age 21 who committed offenses or were previously adjudicated dependent before turning 18. It also clarifies that minors and their guardians generally cannot be forced to pay fees for programs or services, with the specific exception of restitution ordered for victims. Under the new provisions, courts can order delinquent children to pay restitution for damages, capped at $50 per victim for specific funds, and may require up to 75% of earnings from community service to be used for victim compensation. The legislation ensures that courts retain jurisdiction over restitution orders until the child turns 21 or fully complies with the payment plan.
This bill requires juvenile probation officers in Pennsylvania to administer a trauma-informed screening to children involved in delinquency cases to check for human trafficking victimization. The screening is designed to identify whether a child is currently being exploited or is at risk of becoming a victim of sexual servitude. If the screening indicates trafficking involvement or risk, the officer must connect the child with specialized support services for sexually exploited minors. The Department of Human Services and the Juvenile Court Judges' Commission will work together to develop and implement this screening process.
HB 2243 expands protections for minors exploited through human trafficking in Pennsylvania. It amends Title 18 to provide "safe harbor" immunity from prosecution for non-violent offenses (like minor drug possession or disorderly conduct) committed as a direct result of trafficking victimization, for children under 18. The bill repeals the previous "dependency in lieu of delinquency" process (Section 6328), replacing it with immediate access to specialized services instead of criminal or juvenile justice proceedings. Law enforcement must detain trafficked youth only briefly to connect them with support services, not for punishment. This directly affects minors in trafficking situations by preventing them from being charged for crimes stemming from their exploitation.
