About

Background

In 2007, eyes around the nation turned to Luzerne Country, PA, when the Juvenile Law Center (JLC) began investigating reports from youth and their families of harsh –and illegal– treatment during the adjudication process.

In what has been widely acknowledged as the worst juvenile justice scandal in US history, JLC investigators uncovered wide-spread pervasive greed and corruption by dozens of county officials at the expense of vulnerable young people and their families. JLC’s attorneys sought intervention from the PA Supreme Court, which ultimately intervened on the youths’ behalf. And an FBI investigation exposed the depth of the corruption, including a “kids-for-cash” scheme, in which Judge Mark A. Ciavarella, Jr. and former President Judge Michael T. Conahan took financial kickbacks for placing children, usually unnecessarily, in residential facilities.

The investigation also shined light on the unrecognized weaknesses in a state juvenile justice system with a reputation for “Balanced and Restorative Justice” and statistics that have earned it a national reputation for helping kids transition to successful productive adulthood.

More than 6500 Luzerne County children and their families were impacted by events in the County, and 25 people face federal prosecution for their roles.

The investigation remains ongoing. Law enforcement, advocacy organizations, families and youth, and others are working together to ensure that those involved in the Luzerne County scandal are held accountable and that such events never happen again.  Thanks to their united efforts, youth and families affected by the harmful abuses of power are starting to see justice.

MHAPA, which has been a voice for families and young people since this news broke in 2007, has developed this page to keep the public and key stakeholders informed of news and information related to the Luzerne County scandal.

More information about events in Luzerne County is also available at:

The Office of U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Martin Carlson, has launched a  website dedicated to updates  about the status of the pending prosecutions against those involved in the corruption in Luzerne County.

Lessons Learned

After three years of the ongoing investigation, indictments, and accompanying civil suits we know the following:

  • Families were powerless to act on behalf of their children and were at the mercy of a corrupt few. They did not know where to turn for help; only after a handful managed to make their way to the JLC attorneys did anyone help them.
  • JLC, bringing more than two decades of success in juvenile justice reform work and defending kids, faced a multitude of barriers in seeking justice for the children and families in Luzerne County.
  • The FBI uncovered  a web of corruption extending beyond the initial two culprits –Judges Ciavarella and Conahan– to every part of the county. Its investigation found banks, schools, and many county employees were involved at some level. And the investigation is still ongoing.
  • Leadership in Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Justice System has committed to righting this wrong, and immediately began offering Luzerne County support, including training, information on effective practices, and supports for the youth, families, remaining system staff and community members impacted by the scandal.  The state agencies responsible for juvenile justice also began an assessment of any weaknesses in their systems which contributed to the scandal.  Recommendations from the Interbranch Commission, due May 2010, will be the basis for significant reform in the coming year.
  • Despite the PA Supreme Court’s expungement of 6500 Luzerne County children’s juvenile justice records, there is still much harm and suffering that needs repair.  Youth have lost opportunities for education and the typical social and recreational experiences of their high school years.  Some families report their children remain isolated and family stability compromised. Youth themselves speak of disillusionment with government. And the community remains shaken.  Still other youth have moved on; more than one testified to choosing a career in law and order to prevent such abuse from happening in the future.

Next Steps

  • The Interbranch Commission Report will include short and long term changes to the way we watch the system and practice. The report of their findings from the investigative work they have conducted for the last several months is due by May 31.  This report is expected to outline what needs to be in place to avert such an exploitation of children, their families and communities from occurring again. This Commission was formed by all three branches of state government – Executive, Legislative and Judicial.
  • There were immediate and now ongoing corrections to the local juvenile justice system, including changes in local probation and court staff.
  • The trials of judges and other persons indicted in the scandal are still pending, but are expected to begin in 2010. The Judges’ indictment alleges that the defendants engaged in racketeering, fraud, money laundering, extortion, bribery, and federal tax violations and that they received millions of dollars in illegal payments. Along with the criminal charges, the indictment seeks the forfeiture of at least $2,819,500 which is alleged to be the proceeds of the charged criminal activity.  Information on all the indictments can be found here.
  • PA’s juvenile justice agencies will continue oversight to ensure an appropriate and effective response to the needs of the victims.