Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the state of Pennsylvania to compensate counties for certain expenses incurred while children are in their care.

Highlights:

• Requires the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to reimburse county institutions for fifty percent of the following expenditures (Sec. 1):

• The appointment of a guardian ad litem for a child during dependency proceedings;

• The appointment of counsel for a child in dependency proceedings;

• The appointment of counsel for an indigent child in delinquency proceedings;

• The appointment of an educational attorney or advocate for an indigent child in delinquency or dependency proceedings;

• The appointment and training of counsel for an indigent youth in criminal proceedings;

• Summons, warrants, notices, subpoenas, travel expenses for witnesses, and transportation of a child; and

• Other similar expenses incurred in proceedings.

• Specifies that expenditures of money detailed in the previous paragraph must be prioritized to supplement and not replace necessary county funding for required juvenile counsel or counsel for youths in criminal proceedings (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this Act will take effect 60 days after passage (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text