PA HR142

Directs the Joint State Government Commission to study best practices for operating juvenile detention centers in Pennsylvania, prompted by grand jury findings of abuse at the now-closed Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center

Study must address video surveillance implementation with 90-day footage storage, expanded staff training requirements including deescalation and trauma-informed care, and minimum qualifications for staff and management

Requires examination of overtime restrictions, living wage options to attract qualified candidates, programming and education standards for detained juveniles, and grievance policies protecting against retaliation

Must identify alternatives to detention including community-based options and address policies contributing to overcrowding such as detention for technical probation violations or electronic monitoring violations

Establishes an advisory committee of at least 13 members including judges, district attorneys, law enforcement, juvenile justice organizations, and county children and youth agency representatives