Two significant juvenile justice bills stemming from the recommendations of Pennsylvania’s 2021 Juvenile Justice Task Force successfully passed the state House with bipartisan support on July 10, 2025.
House Bill 1576 seeks to require the state to compensate counties for a portion of the expenses incurred while children are in their care. Meanwhile, House Bill 1577 mandates that institutions utilize safe and humane restraints when dealing with juveniles in detention.
In addition, a bill requiring the Department of Human Services to inventory juvenile delinquency programs and services statewide received second consideration on July 16, 2025.
“These children, all of our children — represent our future, and that includes those who find themselves in the juvenile detention system,” said Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Paoli, the primary sponsor of the bills. “It is our responsibility to ensure their well-being and provide the proper support to enable their success.”
Addressing Abuse and Inhumane Conditions in Juvenile Detention Centers
Pennsylvania’s juvenile detention centers have been under increasing scrutiny in recent years due to allegations of abuse, neglect, and inhumane conditions. Critics argue that many of the troubling practices seen in adult prisons, such as overcrowding and mistreatment, have increasingly permeated facilities meant to house and rehabilitate children.
In response to these concerns, House Bill 1577 places clear restrictions on practices such as strip searches, seclusion, and the use of mechanical, chemical, or manual restraints. The bill emphasizes that these procedures should only be used as a last resort when a child presents an immediate risk to themselves or others. Importantly, the use of such measures will be prohibited as forms of punishment, convenience, or in response to staffing shortages.
The bill introduces stringent accountability measures, including criminal liability for facilities that violate these new standards. Facilities found in breach of the law could face license revocation and the withdrawal of funding.
Supporting County Services
House Bill 1576, designed to assist counties financially, would require the state to cover 50 percent of costs incurred by counties for juvenile care services, such as medical treatment, transportation, and the appointment of guardians or legal counsel. The bill seeks to address the financial burden on counties, especially in situations involving out-of-home placements, which have historically been the most costly aspect of the juvenile justice system.
The financial strain on counties, which operate detention centers and oversee individual juvenile cases, has long been a key concern. By supporting these services, House Bill 1576 aims to ensure that counties have the necessary resources to handle juvenile cases more effectively and humanely.
Bipartisan Caucus Reinforces Ongoing Efforts for Juvenile Justice Reform
In July 2025, the Pennsylvania House re-established its bipartisan Pennsylvania Youth and Public Safety Caucus to continue evaluating the state’s juvenile justice system. The caucus will focus on ensuring the safety of young people while also providing the necessary resources for their rehabilitation.
This ongoing initiative comes in response to the 35 recommendations issued by the state’s Juvenile Justice Task Force in 2021, four years after the task force’s initial report. While the implementation of these recommendations has been slow, recent legislative progress suggests that lawmakers are committed to addressing these issues and improving the juvenile justice system.
How Can We Help?
If you or someone you know has experienced mistreatment or abuse while in the juvenile justice system or at the hands of law enforcement, the Police Brutality Center is here to help. Our experienced legal team is committed to supporting victims of police misconduct and ensuring their voices are heard.
Contact us today to learn more about your rights and explore how we can assist in your pursuit of justice. Don’t navigate this complex and difficult situation alone — we are here to guide you every step of the way.
