Pennsylvania’s last governor appointed a statewide child advocate. Then the pushback started.

Stoneleigh Fellow and Inquirer Journalist Samantha Melamed has published an article covering the ongoing developments surrounding Pennsylvania’s Office of Advocacy and Reform as well as the role of the state’s Child Advocate.

Stepping into the role of Pennsylvania child advocate in 2021, Maryann McEvoy knew she had her work cut out for her.

Gov. Tom Wolf had created the post as part of a new Office of Advocacy and Reform by executive order in 2019 — citing rampant abuses at the state-licensed Glen Mills School, and the tragic, preventable murder of 14-year-old Grace Packer in Bucks County. He described the job as an ombudsman with an important role in preventing future tragedies.

McEvoy, a former special-education teacher and a longtime advocate for children with disabilities, saw it as a broad mandate: to respond to complaints from kids and families, and to be their voice in policy discussions.

In the end, she was unable to accomplish either goal.

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