The Basics of Act 91 and Act 80

When Does Act 91 Take Effect?

Act 91 was signed by the Governor on July 5, 2012, and became effective on that date. 

What Sections Of The Law Does Act 91 Change?

Act 91 amends and expands the definition of a child in the Juvenile Act at 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 6302. Act 91 amends two sections of the disposition section of the Juvenile Act.

42 Pa. C.S.A. § 6351 (f) is amended to:

• Require that the court determine for a youth between ages 18 and 21 if they continue to meet the definition of a child under the Juvenile Act.
• Require that the court find that an appropriate transition plan has been presented to the court before a youth who is between the ages of 18 and 21 can be discharged.

42 Pa. C.S.A. § 6351 (j) is amended to allow youth to re-enter care before turning age 21. 

When Does Act 80 Take Effect?

Act 80 was signed by the Governor and became effective on July 1, 2012. 

What Sections Of The Law Does Act 80 Change?

Act 80 amends the Public Welfare Code in several sections:

• It amends the definition of "child" in the Adoption Opportunity Act at 62 P.S. § 772. 
• It amends the definition of "child" in the Kinship Care Act at 62 P.S. § 1302. 
• It creates the Subsidized Permanent Legal Custodianship Program at 62 P.S. § 1303.1 and § 1303.2.