Shusterman’s juvenile justice bill advances out of committee

H.B. 1600 would expand oversight of juvenile justice placements

Rep. Melissa Shusterman    October 22, 2024 | 12:49 PM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, is celebrating the advancement of her legislation, H.B. 1600, out of the House Children and Youth Committee.

House Bill 1600 would help ensure the safety and accountability of juvenile justice placements operated or licensed by the Department of Human Services. Key components include:

  • Increasing regular oversight of facilities by DHS.
  • Monitoring data on the number of youths who are denied admission or removed from an out-of-home placement.
  • Eliminating the use of shackling, solitary confinement and other punitive measures for youth in facilities except in extreme circumstances.
  • Strengthening youth and families’ rights to file grievances.
  • Prohibiting placement out of state, except in neighboring states.

“As legislators, we are responsible for ensuring the support, development and safety of young people who are placed in the custody of the Commonwealth,” Shusterman said. “Allegations of abuse in Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice facilities require us to act. Young people report that these facilities are unsafe, unclean, and unable or unwilling to provide effective treatment or education, and that grievance procedures are not always clear or fair.”

The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.

Send Feedback