HB 2174 | Removing ARD as a basis for a founded child abuse report

Session: 2021-2022

ACLU-PA Position: Supports

HB 2174 would update current law to reflect a recent PA Supreme Court ruling** prohibiting acceptance into an accelerated rehabilitative disposition program (ARD) as a basis for designating a report of suspected child abuse as “founded.” Because ARD is not an adjudication nor an admission of guilt, the bill would instead designate such reports as “indicated" when they are substantiated based upon acceptance into ARD.

** See J.F. v. Dep't of Human Services, 245 A.3d 658 (Pa. 2021)

Check the bill's status here.