Court Opinions

State Laws

US Code

US Constitution

General protective services responsibilities of county agency - 23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 6373

Legal Research Home > Pennsylvania Statutes

     § 6373.  General protective services responsibilities of county
                agency.
        (a)  Program objectives.--Each county agency is responsible
     for administering a program of general protective services to
     children and youth that is consistent with the agency's
     objectives to:
            (1)  Keep children in their own homes, whenever possible.
            (2)  Prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation.
            (3)  Overcome problems that result in dependency.
            (4)  Provide temporary, substitute placement in a foster
        family home or residential child-care facility for a child in
        need of care.
            (5)  Reunite children and their families whenever
        possible when children are in temporary, substitute
        placement.
            (6)  Provide a permanent, legally assured family for a
        child in temporary, substitute care who cannot be returned to
        his own home.
            (7)  Provide services and care ordered by the court for
        children who have been adjudicated dependent.
        (b)  Efforts to prevent need for removal from home.--In its
     effort to assist the child and the child's parents, pursuant to
     Federal regulations, the county agency will make reasonable
     efforts prior to the placement of a child in foster care to
     prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from his
     home and to make it possible for the child to return to home.
        (c)  Assistance in obtaining available benefits.--The county
     agency shall aid the child and the family in obtaining benefits
     and services for which they may qualify under Federal, State and
     local programs.
        (d)  Duplication of services.--Except where ordered by the
     court in a proceeding brought under 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 (relating
     to juvenile matters), a county agency shall not be required to
     duplicate services which are the statutory responsibility of any
     other agency.
     (Dec. 16, 1994, P.L.1292, No.151, eff. July 1, 1997)

        1994 Amendment.  Act 151 added section 6373.

Last modified: November 27, 2007