Glossary

The legal responsibility of guarding and protecting a child.

The Department of Health was created by the Act of April 27, 1905, P.L. 312, and modified subsequently through the Administrative Code of 1929. Act 87 of July 2, 1996, P.L.518, removed the requirement that the Secretary be a Physician; The Act also established the new position of Physician(...)

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ seven program offices administer services that provide care and support to Pennsylvania's most vulnerable citizens. The program offices include the following: Office of Child Development and Early Learning; Office of Long Term Living; Office of(...)

The Juvenile Act defines dependent child as follows: "Dependent child."  A child who:

1. Is without proper parental care or control, subsistence, education as required by law, or other care or control necessary for his physical, mental, or emotional health, or morals. A determination that(...)

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ seven program offices administer services that provide care and support to Pennsylvania's most vulnerable citizens. The program offices include the following: Office of Child Development and Early Learning; Office of Long Term Living; Office of(...)

The current edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).  It is used by clinicians and researchers to diagnose and classify mental disorders. It creates a common language for clinicians involved in the diagnosis of mental(...)

A process conducted to locate parents, relatives, kin or other potential permanency resources or connections for a child who is receiving services from or who is in the custody of a CCYA.

The Department of Health was created by the Act of April 27, 1905, P.L. 312, and modified subsequently through the Administrative Code of 1929. Act 87 of July 2, 1996, P.L.518, removed the requirement that the Secretary be a Physician; The Act also established the new position of Physician(...)

The current edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).  It is used by clinicians and researchers to diagnose and classify mental disorders. It creates a common language for clinicians involved in the diagnosis of mental(...)

A person (relative or non-relative) who identifies himself or herself as a placement resource for any child who comes into the emergency custody of the county agency. This person must have an established relationship with the child or the child’s family. The emergency caregiver must comply(...)

A voluntary, informal process by which a neutral third party encourages full participation, promotes mutual understanding and cultivates shared responsibility among the parties, in order to build a sustainable agreement.

A group of individuals who are bound by ties of blood, law or affinity.

A family-centered and strengths-based approach to partnering with families in making decisions, setting goals and achieving desired outcomes. It is founded on the principle of communicating openly and honestly with families in a way that supports disclosure of culture, family dynamics and(...)