When my family interacted with Pennsylvania's Children and Youth Services (CYS), I realized firsthand the limitations of written notes in capturing the full context of these critical meetings. Families across Pennsylvania, like mine, often rely on these documents, trusting they accurately reflect what was said and occurred. Unfortunately, written notes can fall short, omitting nuances, tones, and the full atmosphere of an interaction that might be crucial for children’s safety and family dynamics.

I am urging the State of Pennsylvania to mandate that CYS workers employ reasonable audio or video documentation during significant interactions with families. Such documentation would ensure greater transparency and accountability, benefitting not just families, but also children, caseworkers, and the judicial system.

Audio and video documentation would protect families from misunderstandings and provide courts with more reliable evidence when making life-changing decisions about children’s placements. This method of documentation is already used successfully in certain social service departments across the nation, demonstrating its feasibility and utility.

Consider this: audio and video logs can accurately convey the concerns of a caseworker addressing a potential risk, or capture the emotion and sincerity of a parent advocating for their child's wellbeing. This comprehensive record could support more informed decision-making processes, leading to better outcomes in child welfare cases.

By officially adopting audio or video documentation protocols, Pennsylvania would be prioritizing the wellbeing of its children and families, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every concern is validated. Let's push for a system that remembers every exchange, every word, every inflection—a system that upholds justice and transparency above all.

I urge you to sign this petition. Join me in advocating for a positive change that protects and supports families and children throughout Pennsylvania.