Governor Corbett Signs New Laws In Aftermath of Kids-For-Cash
By: Andy Mehalshick
Updated: April 9, 2012
Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County--- Governor Tom Corbett signed two laws Monday that are part of the juvenile justice reform package that came about in the aftermath of the kids-for-cash scandal. Former Judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan are serving prison time for violating the rights of thousands of juveniles. They set up an elaborate scheme that led to the construction of a private detention center in Luzerne County and then made sure juveniles were sent to the center in exchange for millions of dollars.
The laws address two flaws of the juvenile system that allowed the scheme to be carried out. First, all juveniles did not have to be represented by a lawyer and second, judges did not have to explain in open court why they were sending kids away. All of that changed with House Bills 815 and 818 that mandates lawyers for all cases, especially those under the age of 14 and judges must explain in open court why they placed kids in detention.
State Senator Lisa Baker of Luzerne County was the driving force behind the laws. Baker said, "We can make sure this never happens again. This will protect our kids in the future."
Governor Corbett told Eyewitness News, "Ths is an important step to make sure that lawyers are present for these kids. If even one of them had a lawyer this scam never would have happened."
The laws address two flaws of the juvenile system that allowed the scheme to be carried out. First, all juveniles did not have to be represented by a lawyer and second, judges did not have to explain in open court why they were sending kids away. All of that changed with House Bills 815 and 818 that mandates lawyers for all cases, especially those under the age of 14 and judges must explain in open court why they placed kids in detention.
State Senator Lisa Baker of Luzerne County was the driving force behind the laws. Baker said, "We can make sure this never happens again. This will protect our kids in the future."
Governor Corbett told Eyewitness News, "Ths is an important step to make sure that lawyers are present for these kids. If even one of them had a lawyer this scam never would have happened."
