The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is a state agency in Pennsylvania[2] tasked to provide care and support to vulnerable citizens.

With a range of program offices, the department administers various services including eligibility determination, foster care, early childhood development, services for individuals with disabilities, long-term living programs, and management of healthcare programs.

The department consists of executive offices and seven program offices: Juvenile corrections fall under the purview of the Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services (BJJS), which oversees Pennsylvania's facilities for adjudicated delinquent youth.

[3] These facilities, known as "youth development centers," serve as correctional institutions for juveniles.

Some former facilities include the New Castle Youth Development Center (NCYDC)[8] - Shenango Township, Lawrence County - and the Cresson Secure Treatment Unit (CSTU), which is no longer operational.