Testimony on Philadelphia DHS and Improving Outcomes for Children (IOC)
The following testimony was delivered by CLS Managing Attorney Kathleen Creamer to Philadelphia City Council on June 14, 2016. Printer-friendly…
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Foster Youth Can Now Apply for SSI 6 Months Before Leaving Care
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a new policy to help youth transitioning out of foster care access Supplemental Security…
Report: Danger of the Opt-Out: Strategies for Preserving Section 8 Project-Based Housing in Philadelphia
Community Legal Services calls for action to preserve affordable housing for low-income tenants. PHILADELPHIA – A report detailing affordable housing at…
Opening Doors: How Philadelphia Area Colleges Can Promote Access and Equity by “Banning the Box”
Young people of color across Pennsylvania are over-criminalized at staggering rates. The consequences for any contact with the juvenile or…
Reporting Expunged or Sealed Cases in Commercial Background Checks Violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (the FCRA) governs the accuracy of criminal background checks prepared by commercial screeners. While there…
Need Help Paying for Food? Most Community College Students Can Now Get SNAP (Food Stamps)
Good news! Most low-income community college students can get SNAP benefits (food stamps). Apply Now! Until now, most students could…
Clean Slate Takes a Step Forward
On Wednesday, April 11th, Clean Slate moved a step closer to becoming law, when PA House Bill 1419 was passed…
CLS Expungement Presentation
In 2018, Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania signed the Clean Slate Act. With its signing, Pennsylvania became the first state
A Brief History of Criminal Record Clearing Work Performed By Community Legal Services
In 2018, Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania signed the Clean Slate Act. With its signing, Pennsylvania became the first state
Clean Slate Will Help Prevent Homelessness in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, homelessness is getting worse On any given day, 15,000 Pennsylvanians experience homelessness. Rates of homelessness in Pennsylvania have…
Clean Slate is a Game-Changer for Pennsylvania Families
In Pennsylvania, nearly 1 in 3 – or three million – people have a criminal record. Many have only minor…
Frequently Asked Questions about Clean Slate
In 2018, Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania signed the Clean Slate Act. With its signing, Pennsylvania became the first state
Clean Slate Bill Signed by Governor Wolf
In 2018, Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania signed the Clean Slate Act. With its signing, Pennsylvania became the first state
Important Information About Pennsylvania General Assistance
The Pennsylvania General Assistance Program Ended August 1, 2019 Frequently Asked Questions 1. Will my cash assistance end? It depends. If…
Cleaning Up Your Criminal Record
In 2018, Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania signed the Clean Slate Act. With its signing, Pennsylvania became the first state
Trauma Histories and the Impact on Parents Involved with DHS
We often talk about the various kinds of traumas experienced by children in the child welfare system –the traumas that…
