Advocates Encouraged by Governor’s New Reform Effort

“We have heard repeatedly – including from our youth advocates in Juveniles for Justice and Youth Fostering Change, and from young people at Glen Mills – that young people in institutions across the Commonwealth are not safe or supported, nor do they receive an effective education,” said Kate Burdick, senior attorney at Juvenile Law Center. “The key to reform is moving away from a failed youth prison model; Governor Wolf is right to prioritize bold reductions in institutional placements. As the work moves forward, we urge the Governor to ensure that directly impacted youth and families drive the conversation on reform.”