On Monday, August 25, the Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF) successfully completed obligations outlined in a Voluntary Resolution Agreement (VRA) with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The VRA began in 2023 after a complaint of discrimination based on disability was filed against one of the county children and youth agencies that OCYF supervises. In confirming that all provisions of the agreement were satisfied, OCR noted:

“… the positive changes that have taken place to better ensure that individuals with disabilities will have meaningful access to DHS’ programs and services in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794, and its implementing regulation, 45 C.F.R. Part 84 (Section 504), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., and its implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 35 (Title II).”

During the monitoring period, over 31,000 state, county, and private provider child welfare staff received training on civil rights compliance related to the Americans With Disabilities Act. Following July 30, 2025, the training is not required by OCR. However, the training is still available via the PA Child Welfare Resource Center. OCYF encourages agencies to continue offering it to new and seasoned staff.

Please contact RCPA Policy Associate Emma Sharp with any questions.