While many advocates and Pennsylvania lawmakers have been advocating for a permanent office of the Child Advocate for the Commonwealth, the City of Philidelphia
President Joe Biden announces new actions to protect consumers from hidden junk fees.by Jessica BabbWhile many advocates and Pennsylvania lawmakers have been advocating for a permanent office of the Child Advocate for the Commonwealth, the City of Philadelphia created a local Office of the Youth Ombudsman.
After years of systematic abuses, issues in residential facilities, and advocacy in Philadelphia, an executive order was signed in 2022 creating the position. It provides a way for youth and other members of the community to file complaints and ask about the care received in a residential facility. It also states that the ombudsperson should evaluate the care, treatment and education provided in the facilities, and it also allows them to visit facilities and conduct interviews. Though the EO, the ombudsperson can also get access to records and documents, and they can monitor and review investigations and policies. I think one of the main things is letting families and young people who have lived experience know that there is recourse when their rights are violated,Organizations like the Juvenile Law Center and Education Law Center helped advocate for it. A Philadelphia 2019 task force report also recommended it, which said since there was no single point of contact for addressing concerns, youth felt like there wasn't a safe way to report mistreatment. "We're very hopeful that this role will fill a critical gap and could be a model for a state ombudsperson who we think is absolutely critical to ensuring and people are safe and heard in our systems," Joki said. While the Pennsylvania Youth Advocate does help connect kids and families with resources and can review issues and work with the Department of Human services to resolve complaints, they are limited in their authority. A greater authority would have to be granted through legislation. Legislation related to a state child advocate or ombudsman has yet to be successful. "I definitely believe that it should go a little farther," said Aqilah David, a youth advocate. "You've got to start somewhere, so that's why we're starting at the city level."
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