Transition Memo on Philadelphia Department of Human Services

For over three decades, the Family Advocacy Unit at Community Legal Services has represented thousands of low-income parents in child welfare cases. We have a unique interdisciplinary practice model and a demonstrated commitment to holistic, high-quality parent representation. In addition to individual representation, Community Legal Services engages in systemic advocacy at the local, state and…

Report: Legal Remedies and Limitations on the Employment of People with Criminal Records in Pennsylvania

Download the full report Like most Americans, people with criminal records need to be employed to support themselves and their families. Unfortunately, a criminal record is a barrier to being hired for a job, or once hired, keeping the job. High unemployment rates make finding employment even more difficult for persons with criminal records.  …

Careless: How the Pennsylvania Department of Health Has Risked the Lives of Elderly and Disabled Nursing Home Residents

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has been failing in its job to protect nursing home residents.  Over the past several years, DOH has significantly decreased the issuance of sanctions against nursing homes and has adopted and employed an investigatory strategy that dismisses 92% of the complaints against nursing homes.  Additionally, when DOH finds that…

Barriers to Successful Reunification in Philadelphia

The Barriers to Successful Reunification in Philadelphia: Findings from the Perceptions of Birth Parents & Child Welfare Professionals project was a one-year Stoneleigh Junior Fellowship project by Wanja Ogongi, MSW; a doctoral candidate at the Center for Social Work Education at Widener University. This report presents the findings from this research project and study of…

The Eviction Process in Philadelphia County

Date Posted:  05/14/2013 For information and resources for tenants, please visit www.phillytenant.org. Your landlord has to go to court to evict you.  Here is the process: Step 1: Eviction Notice You may receive an eviction notice (also called a Lease Termination Notice or Notice to Quit) telling you when your landlord wants you to move out.…

Security Deposits in Pennsylvania

Residential security deposits in Pennsylvania are regulated by the Landlord-Tenant Act (68 P.S. §250.511 and §250.512). A security deposit is not the same as rent. It is money that actually belongs to the tenant, but is held by the landlord for tenant-caused damages and sometimes past-due rent. Without the agreement of the landlord, a security…