Recent news

In a landmark ruling for Pennsylvania, York County Court of Common Pleas Judge John C. Uhler ruled yesterday that Pennsylvania's recently enacted law requiring that juveniles convicted of sexual offenses be subjected to lifetime sex offender registration, violates their rights under various provisions of the Pennsylvania and United States Constitutions, as well as Pennsylvania's Juvenile Act.

We are deeply disappointed that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has decided not to follow the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court in Miller v. Alabama, that juveniles convicted of homicide can no longer receive mandatory sentences of life without parole. The decision also ignores the trend in both state and federal courts to find Miller retroactive.

Juvenile Law Center has announced that a partial settlement with a second set of defendants has been reached in the Luzerne County juvenile-court civil litigation.

The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences announced today that Juvenile Law Center has been named the Best “Law” Website in the 17th Annual Webby Awards. Hailed as the “Internet's highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet. 

On December 14, 2012, U.S. District Judge A. Richard Caputo gave final approval to a $17.75 million settlement in the Luzerne County, PA “kids for cash” cases with real estate developer Robert Mericle.

The California Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling today in People v. Caballero, holding that a term of years sentence that is effectively a de facto life without parole sentence for a juvenile in a non-homicide case violates the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 decision in Graham v. Florida.

Pennsylvania foster youth—who often face enormous obstacles to success as adults—will receive a major boost when Governor Tom Corbett signs new legislation into law. The new laws will enable Pennsylvania to enhance support for older foster youth, encourage adoption and save money. 

The United States Supreme Court ruled today in Miller v. Alabama and Jackson v. Hobbs that states may no longer impose mandatory life without parole sentences on juveniles under the age of 18 convicted of homicide crimes. Writing for the 5-4 majority, Justice Elena Kagan said, “Such a scheme prevents those meting out punishment from considering a juvenile’s ‘lessened culpability’ and greater ‘capacity for change.’” (Read the Court's opinion here.)

Youth in foster care living in a group home have the right to attend their local public school and must be treated in the same manner as children who reside with their parents. The proposed settlement will result in additional educational resources and services for students who were impacted by the District's policies. The classroom was closed in December 2010 and the final settlement will be discussed at a public hearing on August 23, 2012.