Administrative Order Concerning Blair County Juvenile Dependency Orders Relative to COVID-19 Matters

Overview

This Administrative Order, issued by the Court of Common Pleas of Blair County, Pennsylvania, extends previous restrictions on in-person visitation for juvenile dependency cases. The order was signed by President Judge Hon. Elizabeth A. Doyle on April 23, 2020, to comply with public health advisories regarding the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Key Decisions and Directives

• Extension of Previous Order: The Court's Administrative Order dated March 20, 2020, is hereby extended.
• Postponement of Visitation: All in-person visitation by Order and/or Pennsylvania Code Sections 3130. 68 and 3490. 235 is postponed. This applies to visits between adjudicated youth in placement and their parents, guardians, siblings, prospective placement resources, Guardian ad Litems, and Blair County Children, Youth and Families (BCCYF) staff.
• Telecommunication Requirement: In lieu of physical visitation, contact must be conducted via telecommunication.
  • Methods: Video conferences, telephone calls, or other video/audio communication means.
  • Discretion: BCCYF retains the discretion to determine the amount, frequency, and duration of these communications.
  • Agency Duty: BCCYF is ordered to make reasonable efforts to assist families in carrying out telecommuting contact.

Duration

The order remains in effect until the Court of Common Pleas of Blair County is deemed open to the general public pursuant to an Administrative Order of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Signatory

• Hon. Elizabeth A. Doyle, President Judge