Pennsylvania Report Alleges Inadequate Oversight Of Residential Foster Care Placements

Pennsylvania has not provided adequate oversight of youth in foster care, ages 14 to 21, in residential placements according to analysis by Children's Rights and the Education Law Center. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA-DHS) has not provided adequate oversight in terms of child safety, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has not ensured that youth at residential facilities receive adequate educational services.

According to public reporting between May 2010 and May 2018, 156 Pennsylvania youth in residential placements were physically maltreated by staff or other residents; there were 92 instances of inappropriate use of restraints . . .