The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has restored Blair County Children, Youth and Families’ full license to operate, recognizing the progress and necessary improvements that Blair County leadership has made to BCCYF’s operations since its license was revoked in May 2024.
“Child welfare and family supports are an essential function of county government in Pennsylvania, and PA DHS and the Blair County Commissioners have worked closely to protect and support the children and families of Blair County. The Commissioners have demonstrated strong leadership and commitment in addressing challenges and driving improvement within BCCYF,” said PA DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “We are encouraged by BCCYF’s progress and the measurable gains it has made toward achieving operational compliance, and this full license underscores the agency’s stability. PA DHS remains committed to supporting BCCYF as it continues this important work.”
Since the revocation of its license in May 2024, BCCYF has operated under a provisional license and a PA DHS-supervised settlement agreement, which required the county to make structural improvements and have a continuous quality assurance program for essential functions and decisions. During this time, PA DHS, through its Office of Children, Youth and Families’ (OCYF) Central Region, provided intensive on-site support to help BCCYF strengthen its operations and make measurable progress children and families, including daily on-site support and the appointment of an operations manager who worked out of BCCYF’s office alongside the county staff. With the issuance of a full license, the settlement agreement remains in effect through the end of May 2026.
With OCYF’s assistance, BCCYF has strengthened its child abuse investigation processes and timeliness, implemented improved casework and management practices, and made meaningful progress in staff recruitment, training, and retention. BCCYF has also improved in other key areas, including child safety and risk assessments, child welfare case documentation, family service planning, and supervisory oversight; demonstrating a sustained commitment to meeting state requirements and strengthening outcomes for children and families.
BCCYF’s regular license remains subject to OCYF licensing inspections as well as unannounced monitoring visits.
