An Act amending Titles 23 (Domestic Relations) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in proceedings prior to petition to adopt, further providing for grounds for involuntary termination; and, in juvenile matters, further providing for disposition of dependent child.
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania law to clarify the grounds for involuntary termination of parental rights, particularly in cases involving incarcerated parents. It specifically states that parental incarceration alone should not be a reason for termination unless other conditions exist. Additionally, the bill modifies procedures for juvenile matters, including permanency hearings, to consider factors like relative care and documented compelling reasons for not pursuing termination, especially when parental incarceration is a factor.
Key provisions
- It removes parental incarceration as a primary ground for involuntary termination of parental rights, unless other conditions are present.
- It requires courts to prioritize the developmental, physical, and emotional needs of the child in termination proceedings.
- It modifies permanency hearings for dependent children, allowing for consideration of relative care and compelling reasons for not terminating parental rights.
- It specifies that efforts by the parent to address issues like housing or income should not be considered if they are beyond the parent’s control.
- It outlines conditions under which a court may not consider filing a petition to terminate parental rights, even if parental incarceration exists.
Who is affected
- Parents
- Children in foster care
- Guardians
- Child welfare agencies
- Judges
Bill text
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Document of record
- Version
- Pn 3481 Html
- Published
- Not published in the source record
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
9 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Benjamin Sanchez
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