Rep. Rick Krajewski November 18, 2025 | 4:43 PM
HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 – Today, the PA House Children and Youth Committee garnered bipartisan support to approve House Bill 144, voting 21-5 to standardize the use of juvenile diversion programs statewide.
“Diversion helps youth take accountability, saves taxpayer dollars and makes our communities safer,” said state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., prime sponsor of H.B. 144. “It shouldn’t depend on what county you’re from; all of our children should have access to these services. Diversion works.”
The legislation would standardize the use of diversion programs for all non-violent juvenile offenses. A range of stakeholder groups support the legislation, from child advocates to criminal justice reform champions to advocates of fiscal responsibility.
“Expanding diversion is a win-win-win,” said Stefanie Arbutina, Vulnerable Youth Policy Director at Children First and author of the Children First Diversion report. “Youth have better outcomes, the system is less clogged with low-level kids, and the community is safer and stronger.”
Krajewski’s bill now moves to the full House for consideration.
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates...
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Rick Krajewski.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
4712 Baltimore AvePhiladelphia, PA 19143-3558
P*: (215) 724-2227
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
109B East WingPO Box 202188Harrisburg, PA 17120-2188
P*: (717) 783-1000