WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has revoked and downgraded the operating license of the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, placing it on provisional status following allegations that unauthorized staff accessed the confidential Child Welfare Information Solutions portal to observe the state’s investigation into the city-operated juvenile detention facility; and
WHEREAS, The state licensing report raised serious concerns about the misuse of highly sensitive and protected child-welfare data; and
WHEREAS, Advocates have expressed alarm that these alleged breaches could have jeopardized the confidentiality and safety of children, as well as potentially exposed whistleblowers, conduct that may rise beyond licensing violations to criminal implications; and
WHEREAS, An independent investigation by a local news source and a report by the Philadelphia Youth Ombudsman highlighted serious and systemic concerns at the detention center, including staff-instigated violence, illegal punitive isolation, and other abusive practices; and
WHEREAS, There is a pressing need for transparency and accountability in light of the recurring crises affecting vulnerable children within Philadelphia’s care, and in recognition of past failures that have had life-altering consequences for impacted youth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Herby calls upon the Special Committee on Child Separation and the Committee on Health and Human Services to convene a joint hearing to investigate the circumstances and conduct leading to the provisional licensing of the Philadelphia Department of Human Services and the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center, as well as recommended reforms or safeguards to restore public trust and ensure the ethical, legal, and humane treatment of all children in the City’s care.
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