Administrative Order Concerning Blair County Juvenile Dependency Orders Relative to COVID-19 Matters
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Overview
This Administrative Order, issued by the Court of Common Pleas of Blair County, Pennsylvania, modifies visitation provisions for adjudicated youth in response to public health advisories regarding the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The order aims to reduce exposure and slow the spread of the disease.
Key Decisions
- Postponement of Visitation: All in-person visitation by order or under 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 between affected parties must be conducted via telecommunication.
- Methods: Video conference, telephone calls, or other video/audio communication means.
- Goal: To effectuate meaningful and effective visitation/contact.
- Discretion: BCCYF has the discretion to determine the amount, frequency, and duration of these communications.
- Agency Responsibility: BCCYF is ordered to make reasonable efforts to assist families in carrying out telecommuting contact while public health advisories evolve.
Timeline
- Effective Date: March 20, 2020.
- Expiration Date: April 14, 2020. The order will expire on this date unless extended by a separate Administrative Order of Court.
Signatory
- Judge: Hon. Elizabeth A. Doyle, President Judge
- Court: Court of Common Pleas of Blair County, Pennsylvania
Recipients (cc)
The order was copied to:
- Honorable Daniel J. Milliron
- Honorable Timothy M. Sullivan
- Honorable Wade A. Kagarise
- Honorable Jackie Atherton Bernard
- Hearing Officers
- Guardian ad Litems
- Contracted Parent Attorneys
- Ashley Gehrdes, BCCYF Administrator
- William R. Brenner, Esq.