Congressman Fred Keller advocates for child care legislation

Says today’s passage of H.R. 7909 and S.2683 is a win for the health and safety of our children

Washington – Today, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) spoke on the House Floor in support of two critical child care bills aimed at keeping our children safe: H.R. 7909, the Ensuring Children and Child Care Workers Are Safe Act; and S. 2683, the Child Care Protection Improvement Act. Congressman Keller is a cosponsor of H.R. 7909 and an original cosponsor of H.R. 3986, the House companion bill to S.2683.

The House passed H.R. 7909 by a vote of 387 – 33 and S. 2683 by voice vote.

During his remarks on H.R. 7909, Congressman Keller discussed the need to provide funding for states to help child care providers meet the guidelines necessary to keep our children safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Click to watch Congressman Keller’s remarks on H.R. 7909)

“As millions of families have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, child care is a critical component of our national economy,” Congressman Keller said.

“As parents return to work, they need to be sure that their children will be looked after and kept safe.

“The Ensuring Children and Child Care Workers Are Safe Act of 2020, H.R. 7909, would make these assurances to families by equipping child care providers with the resources they need to perform their jobs safely and effectively.”

Congressman Keller also highlighted the importance of S. 2683 in strengthening background checks for child care providers.

(Click to watch Congressman Keller’s remarks on S. 2683)

“Every parent deserves the peace of mind of knowing that their child care providers are passionate, caring, and above all—qualified,” Congressman Keller said.

“While this is the case with a great many providers, it is imperative for states to be able to effectively conduct background checks, especially across state lines.

“S. 2683 will help states address challenges in implementing background checks required under current law, ensuring our children receive the safest and highest quality of care possible.”

On the passage of H.R. 7909 and S.2683, Congressman Keller made the following statement:

“Today’s passage of these two important pieces of legislation will ensure that our children remain healthy and safe while under the supervision of child care providers who have been properly vetted.

As millions of parents head back to work, these bills will be critically important for child care providers across the country,” Congressman Keller said.

Pennsylvanians Can Ask Unemployment Questions Live During L&I Virtual Town Hall Tomorrow at 1:00 PM

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Compensation (UC) experts will answer questions live from claimants during the Department of Labor & Industry’s (L&I) seventeenth virtual town hall from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM today, Thursday, September 17, 2020. UC will provide information about the unemployment benefits programs administered by L&I.
How to participate

A livestream will be online at https://access.live/PAlabor. Those without internet access can listen by calling 1-833-380-0719, however phone lines are limited so we ask that they be reserved for individuals who need them.

Participants using the phone lines can ask questions directly of our UC expert. Individuals livestreaming the town hall can submit typed questions that will be read to the UC expert by a moderator. To protect participants’ personal confidential information, detailed answers about individual claim questions cannot be answered during the town hall.

Unemployment benefits programs

In addition to the state’s regular UC program, Pennsylvania also oversees:

Improving UC Customer Service

Since March 15, L&I has paid more than $27 billion in unemployment benefits.

The department has improved customer service by:

  • Resolving 97 percent of eligible regular unemployment compensation claims between March 15 and August 8. These claims were either paid or were not eligible for benefits. The remaining 3 percent represents 49,444 cases could not be approved automatically and are pending resolution.
  • Increasing UC service center staffing levels 118 percent (from 775 employees to the current total of 1,687) since mid-March with the hiring of new employees, onboarding of external call center support staff, and reassigning of staff from other state offices/agencies.
  • Boosting UC support with employees working more than 299,392 total overtime hours since March 15, including in the service centers and all other areas of UC.
  • Helping:
  • 1,053,509 through email;
  • 488,667 by phone;
  • 148,168 by LiveChat; and
  • 329,547 by Virtual Assistant.

L&I is continuing to focus on these customer service improvements but will not be truly satisfied until every Pennsylvanian who is eligible gets the unemployment benefits they worked hard for and deserve.

Important Resources and Links

Additional unemployment benefits information is available on L&I’s websiteFacebook or Twitter.

Application window open for Lycoming County entities to apply for COVID relief funds

The application window is open for Lycoming County learning centers, nonprofits, municipalities, and fire/emergency medical services (EMS) to apply to receive part of a grant the county received to assist them with COVID-19 expenses.

The application deadline for learning centers is Sept. 22 for the COVID-19 County Relief Block Grant (CRBG) funds. The deadline for the other entities is Oct. 2.

The county received a $10.2 million CRBG grant from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities Act (CARES Act), through the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

The county commissioners voted Tuesday to tentatively award the following allocations from the grant (which may change based on demonstrated need):

  • Alternate learning center sites: $1.5 million (at $300 per student)
  • Nonprofits: $1 million
  • Municipalities: $250,000
  • Fire/EMS: $150,000

The funds do not have to be repaid. Funds can be used for eligible costs from March 1 to Dec. 30, 2020 including operating costs, rent, mortgage interest, utility payments, eligible capital expenses, and more. Invoiced documentation is required.

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is assisting the county by providing professional expertise and grant administrative services, as well as activity development and management to ensure accuracy and adherence with federal and state regulations.

County Commissioner Scott Metzger said the county is dedicated to alleviating the economic impact the pandemic has caused.

“Recognizing the tremendous economic loss felt throughout our county, we’ve allocated these funds to a broad spectrum of entities to try to alleviate some of that loss,” Metzger said.

Fully completed applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Sept. 22 for alternate learning center sites and by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 2 for the other entities via email or fax. Mailed forms must be postmarked by those respective dates.

Zoom meetings will be held to learn more about the programs and to ask questions:

  • 1 p.m. Sept. 17 – learning centers
  • 1 p.m. Sept. 21 – nonprofits
  • 2:30 p.m. Sept. 21 – municipalities
  • 3:30 p.m. Sept. 21 – fire/EMS

Zoom login information, grant eligibility requirements, and applications are available at www.lyco.org/covidrelief. Applications may be emailed to Covidrelief@lyco.org, faxed to 570-320-2135, or mailed to Lycoming County Department of Planning and Community Development, 48 W. Third St., Williamsport, PA 17701.

For more information, contact the Lycoming County Department of Planning and Community Development at Covidrelief@lyco.org or 570-320-2130.

As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.

Gov. Wolf and Lt. Gov. Fetterman Message to Legislature: Now is the Time to Take up Legalization of Adult-Use Cannabis

Harrisburg, PA – Focusing on the benefits of restorative justice and revenue generation, Governor Tom Wolf and Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman again today called on the legislature to take up legalization of adult-use cannabis.

“I urge the legislature to join me in building a foundation now to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy by legalizing cannabis for adult use,” Gov. Wolf said. “This is revenue that can help Pennsylvanians adversely impacted by the criminal justice system access restorative justice programs, it can be earmarked to help our historically disadvantaged small businesses weather the economic crisis caused by COVID-19, and it will give our economy a much-needed boost.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused enormous disruptions to Pennsylvania’s economy, and with additional federal aid stagnating in Congress, Wolf said adult-use cannabis legalization now will go a long way in helping the state’s economy recover in the future.

Some states that have legalized adult-use cannabis have received hundreds of millions in additional revenue.

Wolf and Fetterman stressed that while it will take time to build a system that will bring in that level of revenue in Pennsylvania, there are things the legislature can and should do now to ensure that the state and its residents can benefit from that revenue as soon as possible.

Lt. Gov. Fetterman has long led the charge for decriminalizing possession of small amounts of cannabis, something that can save money and change the path of the lives of people previously convicted of these low-level crimes.

“In 2019, nearly 22,000 people in PA were arrested for having a small amount of marijuana,” Lt. Gov. Fetterman said. “We can better devote the time and resources we spend prosecuting these Pennsylvanians for doing something that most of us think shouldn’t even be illegal.”

Gov. Wolf and Lt. Gov. Fetterman were joined by Lehigh Valley NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) executive director Jeff Riedy. NORML hosted “Planting A Seed for Freedom; Let Our People Grow,” an awareness event on the Capitol steps today.

“We welcome the inclusion of cannabis legalization into Governor Wolf’s legislative agenda, which doubles-down on his commitment to support statewide legalization,” Jeff Riedy said. “NORML chapters across the commonwealth endorsed the Wolf/Fetterman ticket back in 2018. With two robust legalization bills already written, lawmakers could act tomorrow.”

The clear message of the day was urgency and how acting now to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis can have immediate benefits for those most adversely affected by criminalization and legalization now can have long-term benefits for the state and all of its residents.

“The decriminalization and legalization of adult-use cannabis are what the people of Pennsylvania want,” Gov. Wolf said. “I urge the General Assembly to listen to them.”

State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement September 14-15: 1,031 Compliance Checks; 16 Warnings

 
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania State Police Liquor Control Enforcement Officers visited 1,031 licensed liquor establishments from Monday, September 14 through Tuesday, September 15 to ensure businesses are abiding by COVID-19 mitigation requirements that include social distancing, masking, and other health and safety requirements of the liquor code.
Liquor Control Enforcement Officers issued one notice of violation and 16 warnings for failing to follow COVID-19 requirements. As mandated by the liquor code, a notice of violation precedes the issuance of an administrative citation, which is civil in nature, and is intended to provide licensed liquor establishments notification of the nature of violation(s) discovered. The investigation remains open during this period, pending review by the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE). Because the investigation is ongoing, names of establishments issued a notice of violation will not be released at this time. Each BLCE district office posts a monthly public information release that includes details on citations issued by that office.
Compliance checks are unannounced and can occur anywhere in the commonwealth, although the focus is on areas experiencing higher coronavirus transmission rates. Among other requirements, all businesses and employees in the restaurant and retail food service industry authorized to conduct in-person activities are mandated to:
  • Require all customers to wear masks while entering, exiting or otherwise traveling throughout the restaurant or retail food service business (face masks may be removed while seated). Further, employees are required to wear masks at all times.
  • Provide at least six feet between parties at tables or physical barriers between customers where booths are arranged back to back.
  • Ensure maximum occupancy limits for indoor and outdoor areas are posted and enforced.
Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement | September 14-15, 2020
​TOTAL LICENSEE CHECKS
WARNINGS RELATED TO COVID-19 MITIGATION EFFORTS
NOTICES OF VIOLATION RELATED TO COVID-19 MITIGATION EFFORTS
1-Philadelphia
​176
0
0
2-Wilkes-Barre
191
1
0
3-Harrisburg
35
0
0
4-Pittsburgh
156
6
0
5-Altoona
100
1
0
6-Williamsport
112
1
0
7-Punxsutawney
78
3
0
8-Erie
64
3
0
9-Allentown
119
1
1
TOTALS
1,031
16
1
Violators may face administrative citation by the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement. Continued violations put an establishment’s liquor license at risk, either through the citation process or upon application for renewal. More information is available on the enforcement page of the state police COVID-19 portal.
Complaints regarding licensees not complying with COVID-19 mitigation mandates may be directed to the BLCE at 1-800-932-0602 or reported through the BLCE’s online complaint form.

Wolf Administration Warns of Heightened Fall Wildfire Dangers

 

​Harrisburg, PA – With hunting and other outdoors activities increasing at a time when woodlands and brush can become tinder dry in just a few days, the Wolf Administration is urging all residents to guard against increased wildfire dangers in Pennsylvania’s 17 million acres of forestlands.

State officials noted a sustained dry period over much of the state comes at a time when wildfire dangers normally are high, and critical conditions can develop almost overnight in many forested areas of Pennsylvania.

“With rainfall varying greatly across the commonwealth, a dry windy span of just a few days quickly can make wildfires a very real threat,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Amid the pandemic we know so many are seeking outdoors pursuits. Hunting soon will be popular and fall foliage is a joy to behold, but when the leaves begin dropping and drying, they become added fuel for woodland fires.”

“Amid these conditions, it takes only a careless moment to ignite a devastating wildfires. We know debris burning is leading cause of wildfires throughout the state and more than 95 percent of Pennsylvania wildfires are caused by people,” Dunn said.

“While most Pennsylvanians are used to wildfires being confined to relatively far off places, these catastrophic events pose an escalating risk to communities throughout the commonwealth,” said State Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego.  “Increasingly, our state is being affected by weather patterns that turn fields and forests into accidents waiting to happen.”

The wildfire warning comes amid sparse rainfall and drying conditions, and as drought advisories are widening in Pennsylvania.

DCNR is responsible for administering a grant program paid through federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. This program has awarded more than $14.5 million since it began in 1982. In 2019, more than $617,800 was awarded to 133 volunteer fire companies. Both Dunn and Trego encourage eligible departments to learn more about this important program for future grant opportunities.

With several deer and small-game hunting seasons opening in the coming weeks, both Dunn and Trego urged hunters and other woodlands visitors to be especially careful with smoking and fires amid dry vegetation.

Dunn noted the need to guard against wildfires increases each year as more development encroaches on heavily wooded tracts. Homeowners always should be diligent when burning trash and debris, she said.

Property owners should always consider the weather and conditions when burning outdoors. If it’s windy or dry, burning should be postponed until conditions change. A hose, rake, and shovel should be handy when burning outdoors, and any burnable materials cleared within 10 feet of a fire.

The Bureau of Forestry is working through state agencies and local fire companies to educate Pennsylvania citizens on procedures to make their homes in forest environments safer from wildfires. Information can be obtained from the Bureau of Forestry, county Emergency Management Office, or the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

Details on wildfire prevention can be obtained at local forest districts and the Bureau of Forestry also maintains information on county burn bans in effect.

September 16, 2020 – Department of Health Report

Seven (7) new cases added Wednesday in Lycoming County now at 603 cases and 23 total deaths, with 12,089 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-29,

776 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 146,990

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., September 16, that there were 776 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 146,990. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between September 9 and September 15 is 173,790 with 5,855 positive cases. There were 24,442 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., September 15. These results represent the total number of tests administered.

There are 7,903 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 28 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

“We know that congregation, especially in college and university settings, yields increased case counts. The mitigation efforts in place now are essential to flattening the curve and saving lives,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings, and telework will help keep our case counts low. Together, as Pennsylvanians, all of our efforts are designed to support our communities to ensure that cases of COVID-19 remain low.”

Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Beginning August 29, the department began publishing COVID-19 case counts using the updated standardized case definition for COVID-19 from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. This revised case definition updates criteria for case identification and case classification based on the continued evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. It updates probable case classifications and adds suspect case classifications. The definition for confirmed cases using a positive PCR test has not changed. Viral antigen tests, which identify people who are likely currently infected, will now be considered a probable case, even if the individual has no symptoms or exposure history. Persons with a positive antibody (serology) test, moving forward, will no longer be considered a probable case. However, cases previously counted as probable cases, using the prior national case definition, will remain counted as probable cases.

There are 205 cases who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 1,708,131 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

  • Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
  • Nearly 2% are ages 5-12;
  • Approximately 4% are ages 13-18;
  • Approximately 12% are ages 19-24;
  • Approximately 36% are ages 25-49;
  • Nearly 22% are ages 50-64; and
  • Approximately 22% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

The department is seeing significant increases in the number of COVID-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19 to 24-year-olds. An alert was sent to healthcare providers about the changing COVID-19 case demographics, as there are more cases in younger age groups than in those 50-64 and 65+. The following regions saw significant increases among 19 to 24-year-olds in each month from April to date in September:

  • NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to 71 percent of cases so far in September;
  • SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 33 percent of cases so far in September;
  • NE – 6 percent of cases in April to approximately 39 percent of cases so far in September;
  • SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 30 percent of cases so far in September;
  • NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 20 percent of cases so far in September; and
  • SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 17 percent of cases so far in September.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 22,064 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,806 cases among employees, for a total of 26,870 at 956 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,308 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 10,204 of our total cases are among health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Currently, all 67 counties are in the green phase of reopening.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Sept. 15:

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
  • Clean surfaces frequently.
  • Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
  • If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Thousands of Pennsylvanians Recruited to Serve as Poll Workers For General Election

Department of State Announces Continuing Education Credits for Certain Licensed Professionals

Serving as Poll Workers on Election Day

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar today announced that since the primary election on June 2, the Department of State has received approximately 35,000 applications from Pennsylvanians who want to serve as poll workers during the general election on November 3. In addition, the Secretary announced that for the first time, certain professional licensees will receive continuing education credits for serving as poll workers on election day.

“Pennsylvania, along with many other states, faces a shortage of poll workers for the upcoming election,” said Secretary of State Boockvar. “As a former poll worker myself, I know how important it is to serve your community in this capacity, and I am tremendously grateful for the number of Pennsylvanians who have stepped up to volunteer to ensure the election runs smoothly on November 3.”

To help fill this need and boost civic participation, for the first time, the Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs is encouraging its licensing boards to motivate licensed professionals to volunteer to serve as poll workers. To date, nursing home administrators, physical therapists, social workers, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and speech language pathologists and audiologists are eligible for up to two hours of continuing education credits for serving as poll workers on November 3, in addition to the modest pay received by poll workers for their time. Licensees may provide their pay stub or other documentation from their service to their respective boards to receive their continuing education credits.

“Our commonwealth is home to hundreds of thousands of licensed professionals who serve their communities every day in various capacities,” said Secretary Boockvar. “By granting continuing education credits for poll worker service, we want to offer licensees the opportunity to be civically engaged while also fulfilling requirements toward their licensure.”

Many communities still need poll workers on election day. Typically, 40,000 to 45,000 poll workers are needed statewide for the general election.

If you are interested in becoming a poll worker, you can find more information and fill out an interest form on votesPA.com/GetInvolved. In general, poll workers must be 18 years old and registered to vote in the county in which they wish to serve as a poll worker. Exceptions to the age requirement exist for high school students who are at least 17 years old and who wish to serve as poll workers. Poll workers receive training and payment from their county. Some counties need multi-lingual poll workers to provide language assistance at polling places to voters who have limited English proficiency. If you are a licensed professional in another field and interested in receiving continuing education credits for poll worker service, please contact your respective Board to request consideration.

To learn more about becoming a poll worker in Pennsylvania, visit votesPA.com/GetInvolved.

Gov. Wolf Applauds Environmental Board’s Commitment to Reducing Climate Change Impact in Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA  Governor Tom Wolf applauded the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) vote in favor of reducing carbon pollution from power plants. The EQB voted yesterday 13-6 in favor of the proposed regulation.

Under the proposed regulation, electric power plants that emit carbon dioxide will be required to obtain credits compatible with other states in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a coalition of states that have a regional cap on emissions. Modeling from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) shows that participating in RGGI will decrease climate change causing carbon dioxide pollution as well as generate new jobs and reduce air pollution-related illness.

“As the numerous hurricanes that have hit the Gulf Coast and devastating wildfires in the west have shown, climate change is not going to wait. When I signed the executive order last year it was because I knew it was time to tackle this problem, and RGGI is part of that solution,” said Gov. Wolf.

Since taking office, Gov. Wolf has made it a top priority to reduce climate change impact in the commonwealth. He signed an Executive Order that directed DEP to begin a rulemaking process that will allow Pennsylvania to participate in RGGI.

A majority of Pennsylvanians support strong climate action and participation in RGGI helps make Pennsylvania a climate leader. The proposed regulation will be reviewed by the Office of the Attorney General and a public comment and participation period will be announced at a later date.

Electricity generation is one of the leading sources of carbon dioxide emissions in Pennsylvania, and the commonwealth is a leading emissions source in the country. The proposed regulation would reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 188 million tons between 2022 (when the regulation would go into effect) and 2030.

In addition, other benefits of RGGI for Pennsylvania include:

  • Reduce carbon emissions by 188 million tons
  • Increase of more than 30,000 jobs
  • Reduction of other air pollutants like SO2 and NOx
  • Avoiding 639 premature deaths from air pollution-related health issues

More information about RGGI can be found at www.dep.pa.gov/RGGI.

Wolf Admin. Launches KinConnector.org to Support Kinship Caregivers and the Children They are Raising

Secretary of Human Services Teresa Miller answers questions from the press.Governor Tom Wolf announced that people with intellectual disabilities and autism and the providers of support services for these vulnerable Pennsylvanians will receive $260 million in CARES Act funding to help continue to provide services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Wolf was joined by Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller, who outlined to details of funding allocations. JUNE 15, 2020 – HARRISBURG, PA

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller and Department of Aging (PDA) Secretary Robert Torres today launched www.kinconnector.org, a resource designed to help kinship care families connect to services and supports that can help children and their caregivers.

Grandparents raising grandchildren are among the most common type of kinship caregiver, but kinship care families also can include an aunt or uncle, adult sibling, or a non-relative caregiver such as a close family friend raising a child when their parents cannot care for them.  Kinship care arrangements help maintain family bonds and reduce trauma experienced when children cannot be cared for by their own parents.

“Kinship caregivers make a selfless choice to care for young loved ones so they receive care and support from a family member they know and trust. As children navigate their own emotions around their family situation, this connection and familiarity can be a grounding force necessary to help children process and heal,” said Sec. Miller. “While this can be an easy choice for kinship caregivers, navigating this new family situation can have its challenges for both the caregiver and children. KinConnector is here to be a resource and support to ease this process for the entire kinship family.”

KinConnector was established through Act 89 of 2018 and is part of a kinship navigator program for Pennsylvania. After a competitive procurement process, The Bair Foundation was selected to administer the kinship navigator program coordinator and will work with kinship care families around Pennsylvania to help them access resources and supports and connect with families in similar situations around the commonwealth.

Kinship caregivers can visit the KinConnector website to find resources in their communities, learn about trainings and services available for kinship families, and find support groups and networks of other kinship care families and family care professionals.

“All across Pennsylvania, there are grandparents playing a vital, leading role in caring for their grandchildren,” said Secretary Torres. “These grandparents provide the love and stability that children need and deserve. The KinConnector website is one tool to help provide support to and make life a little easier for these special families.”

KinConnector also runs a helpline that can be reached by calling 1-866-KIN-2111 (1-866-546-2111) The KinConnector helpline is staffed by knowledgeable, compassionate social service professionals prepared to help kinship care families understand and access resources that may be able to help them. The helpline is available from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. The KinConnector helpline can support callers needing assisting in English and Spanish.

More information about KinConnector can be found at www.kinconnector.org.

For more information on resources available for kinship families and grandparents raising grandchildren, visit www.dhs.pa.gov.