The Fostering Connections Resource Center gratefully acknowledges the National Conference of State Legislatures for sharing its tracking information about pending and enacted legislation. Please visit NCSL for additional information.
Enacted Legislation in Pennsylvania
There is no enacted legislation for Pennsylvania.
Pending Legislation in Pennsylvania
Subsidy Guardianship Program
Bill: SB 119; Status: Pending
Summary: Creates Subsidy Guardianship Program for grandparents or relative caregivers of children in custody.
Sponsored by Senator Musto
Grandparent Caregiver Support Program
Bill: SB 120; Status: Pending
Summary: Creates a Grandparent Caregiver Support Program to provide assistance, support, and training to grandparent caregivers.
Sponsored by Senator Musto
Older Youth
Bill: HB 2297; Status: Pending
Summary: Determines that a foster child can remain under the jurisdiction of the court after the child reaches 18 years of age, up to when the child reaches 21 years of age, based on a determination by the court that the child meets specific conditions, including, but not limited to the child completing a secondary education program or employed for at least 80 hours per month. Defines a transition plan as a personalized plan for a foster youth that includes specific plans for housing, health insurance, education, opportunities for mentors and continuing support services, work force supports and employment services. The plan shall be prepared at least 180 days immediately prior to the date on which the child will reach 18 years of age or, if the court has extended jurisdiction for a child who is 18 years of age or older, then 180 days immediately prior to the anticipated termination of jurisdiction
Sponsored by Representative Bishop
Sibling Connection
Bill: HB 2258; Status: Pending
Summary: Determines that reasonable efforts must be made to place a child placed in foster care with any siblings, if appropriate. If siblings are in a different placement setting, the court shall enter an order to ensure visitation between the siblings occurs no less than twice a month, if appropriate.
Sponsored by Representative Briggs
Kinship Notification
Bill: HB 2429; Status: Pending
Summary: Establishes that the county child welfare agency shall, within 30 days of a child's removal from the child's home, exercise due diligence to identify and notify the child's adult grandparents and other adult relatives and explain options under Federal and State law to participate in the care and placement of the child, including becoming a foster parent, permanent legal custodian, adoptive resource or individual who will participate in the child's planning and other activities. Defines "adult relative" as an individual who is related within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity to the parent parent or stepparent of the child and is at least 21 years of age.
Sponsored by Representative Samuelson
