Krajewski kinship bill unanimously passes PA Senate

Rep. Rick Krajewski    December 11, 2023 | 4:44 PM

HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – Legislation (H.B. 1058) introduced by state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., passed the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously today and will now head to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law.

“My bill would ensure that kinship care providers – like grandparents, and family friends – are fully considered during child custody proceedings,” Krajewski said. “It’s a commonsense reform that will have a major positive impact on vulnerable youth, preventing community displacement and trauma.”

H.B. 1058 would make child custody proceedings more inclusive of potential kinship care providers by requiring courts to solicit and consider the opinions of those who engaged with family finding and kinship care programs. While living with kin minimizes childhood trauma and increases well-being, fewer than 42% of children receiving care in the state are placed in a kinship home.  

“As advocates of kinship care for youth in Pennsylvania, we believe this bill would strengthen support systems for young people in the child welfare system,” said Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children and Community Legal Services of Philadelphia in a joint letter of support for the bill. 

“No child should be unnecessarily placed in a county youth agency,” Krajewski said. “I appreciate Senate lawmakers coming together to support our most vulnerable young people and look forward to Governor Josh Shapiro signing this bill into law.” 

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