Stakeholders

The Commonwealth has been working hard to get ready for the implementation of Healthy PA, getting the word out about the changes that are coming, and training staff so we are ready to help the people of Pennsylvania.   As part of this, we want to ensure that you have the information and resources you need.  

We've updated the Healthy PA website (www.healthypa.com) with training materials and other resources that may be useful for community members, providers and other stakeholders.  By clicking on "Training and Resources" you will find a 12 minute video called Healthy PA 101 that gives a basic overview of Healthy PA.  Check back to this website regularly for updated information and other trainings.  You may also sign up for email updates by using the "Join our Email List!" link at the bottom of the page.

I hope you take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with these resources.  As always, thank you for your partnership and dedication to serving the people of Pennsylvania.

Bev Mackereth, Secretary

Department of Public Welfare

Child Trafficking and Juvenile Justice Webinar

Each year, roughly 100,000 children inside the United States are victims of child sex trafficking.  Although many federal and state efforts are underway to prevent trafficking, and to provide better responses to victims, a number of these children are charged with prostitution and placed in juvenile detention facilities. Youth may also be charged with other offenses that are linked to their being trafficked, such as excessive absences from school or curfew violations.  

Please join us for the first in a series of webinars about human trafficking on November 19 at 3pm ET.  This webinar will include a discussion of what sex trafficking is, how it impacts its victims, and the history of U.S. responses to this complicated problem.  Presenters will also discuss the intersection of trafficking with juvenile and criminal justice, particularly for high-risk populations like runaway and homeless youth.  Current federal and state laws to prevent the criminalization of trafficking victims will be shared, along with efforts underway among juvenile justice agencies, State Advisory Groups and others. 

Presenters will include:

• Elizabeth Pfenning, Training & Technical Assistance Specialist, Polaris
• Darla Bardine, Executive Director, National Network for Youth
• Naomi Smoot, Policy and Government Relations Associate, Coalition for Juvenile Justice

Register here!