COVID-19 Dependency as Essential Functions Clarified

Administrative Order Regarding Judicial Emergency in Blair County

On April 2, 2020, the Court of Common Pleas of Blair County issued an Administrative Order clarifying how dependency cases should be handled during the ongoing judicial emergency. This order follows directives from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and a local emergency declaration by President Judge Elizabeth A. Doyle.

Key Directives

• Essential Status: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has officially classified emergency matters related to the Juvenile Act as "essential functions" during this period.
• Judge Discretion: Dependency judges (Honorable Timothy M. Sullivan, Honorable Wade A. Kagarise, and Honorable Jackie Atherton Bernard) have the authority to identify which permanency review hearings are essential. They are expected to consult with counsel before making these determinations.
• Teleconference Requirement: Any permanency review hearing deemed essential must be conducted via teleconference to the greatest extent possible.
• Documentation: Any hearing conducted as an emergency matter must include a caption noting that it has been deemed an essential matter for hearing.