Lawmakers hear gender notification bill

A bill before the state Legislature aims to ensure parents are notified by their local school district if their child chooses to "socially transition" genders or start using different pronouns.

The proposal, An Act Relative to Parental Rights in Education , was the subject of a hearing before the Joint Committee on Education on Monday, when lawmakers heard from dozens of concerned parents during an occasionally emotional hearing.

Filed by State Rep. David DeCoste, the lawmaker said the bill is written to be "very narrow" in order to put power back into the hands of parents.

"This was drafted, just as background, with some folks who are way over the other side ideologically from me. So, I think it is written fairly to address some very specific concerns," the Republican said.

According to the text of the bill, if it were to pass, the state would ban all "instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity" for students in kindergarten through third grade.

The proposed legislation would require schools to come up with a plan to notify parents "if there is a change in the student's services or monitoring related to the student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being and the school's ability to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for the student." The proposal also mandates that districts not adopt procedures which would prohibit such notification, unless it is to prevent abuse or neglect as defined in state law.

"The procedures must reinforce the fundamental right of parents to make decisions regarding the upbringing and control of their children by requiring school district personnel to encourage a student to discuss issues relating to his or her well-being with his or her parent or guardian or to facilitate discussion of the issue with the parent," the bill reads, in part.

Beth Kurth introduced herself to the committee as a "liberal democrat" and parent who supports the bill. She said her son's school district needed her permission to administer aspirin to treat a headache, but wasn't required to inform her of some significant changes in their life.

The idea that schools would have a right to intervene in a child's gender nonconformity without parental involvement is mind boggling," she said. "Make no mistake, social transitioning - giving a child a new name and gender - is a very big intervention.

Some students who chose to transition, she said, only do so because the idea that their gender may have been improperly diagnosed at birth was planted in their heads when they were too young to understand the implications. Kurth said that the entire idea of transitioning only serves to force children to choose which gender stereotypes to accept, and that kids aren't ready to learn about sexual identity or orientation at a very young age.

"Let's leave the kids be," she said.

According to Pew Research , a significant portion of parents would prefer that their young students do not learn about gender ideology or transitioning from teachers or through school instruction. About 45% say their children did learn these topics at school, and think that's a bad thing, or didn't and think that's a good thing. Around 13% said it was good that their children learned these topics at school and bad if they didn't. The rest, according to Pew, didn't see either scenario as good or bad.

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Labor rebels who forced a benefits policy reversal believe they can end the two-child cap.

Labor rebels are set to increase pressure on the Government to abolish the controversial two-child benefit cap , with many emboldened by recent U-turns on benefit cuts and winter fuel .

Several Labour MPs told The i Paper the Government's concessions could encourage fresh calls to scrap the controversial cap , which limits child-related benefit payments to the first two children in most families.

I think this issue will have emboldened a lot of backbench MPs ," one Labour MP said. "It has opened the door to the possibility of what you can say and do in terms of challenging the government on any issue.

That's the major impact of all of this, welfare aside – everybody's going to feel much more confident to push the Government into being bolder and more Labour, frankly.

Labour has not ruled out scrapping the cap, and many hoped that the Child Poverty Taskforce, announced shortly after the general election, would lead to the Government abolishing it.

The publication of the taskforce’s report has been delayed, however, with many now expecting it to be published in the autumn.

The MP added that the review – co-chaired by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson – and the Government's tone on the issue had led many in the party to "sense that we're probably pushing at an open door" on scrapping the cap.

But Rachel Reeves is under huge pressure to maintain her fiscal rules, and the partial U-turns on welfare announced last week have only made that task harder. Estimates suggest scrapping the cap could cost more than £2bn.

The growing confidence of Labour MPs was visible on Monday as ministers set out a range of concessions to the proposed welfare changes. aimed at appeasing the 120 MPs who supported a motion calling for the repeal of the legislation .

Read Next: Labor rebels smell blood – immigration and the two-child benefit cap are next

It is unclear how many MPs will ultimately rebel in the crucial vote on Tuesday, but it is widely expected that the bill, which makes major changes to universal credit and personal independence payment (PIP) eligibility, will pass its second reading.

However, many opposed to the changes have warned that growing disillusionment among MPs over the handling of the benefits reforms has made some MPs more likely to criticise the Government over other issues, including the benefit cap.

For some it will be: 'I've swallowed this shit sandwich, you now need to help us out,' one backbencher said. 'For others though, a lot of new MPs in particular who had a basic faith in the Starmer administration, that's been shaken now by what they are trying to do.'

They continued: "Some people think [this bill] is not what Labour does... some will have had their eyes opened and they will be thinking 'can I trust the Government on some of these issues?' I think the answer now will be no for some of them."

Another Labour MP said the concessions would "possibly" increase pressure on Reeves over the benefit cap. "I think we were looking at this anyway and I would support it if the option was there," they said.

A third MP echoed this, adding: "A government changing a benefits system which then pushes some of the most vulnerable into poverty, that's a direct link... I think you might find that the calls for [scrapping the benefit cap] increase."

York Outer MP Rachael Maskell said she was disappointed by the delay in the child poverty strategy and in scrapping the two-child benefit cap. She told The i Paper There has got to be movement on this... we see it as a priority and an immediate step that can be taken.

She also hinted that MPs were growing bolder ahead of the welfare vote, adding: "I think colleagues are now much more attuned to where their constituents are, and are certainly recognising the need to speak up for them."

I am seeing a change in mood... I think far more people are expressing concern, no matter what they intend to do on these matters.

A Labour insider claimed "the two-child cap is in the sights of people like Work and Pensions Committee chair Debbie Abrahams, and she could take rebels from this [welfare reforms] with her."

She’s very much trusted and leading the charge.

Last year, seven Labour MPs were suspended from the parliamentary party for voting against the Government on an amendment to eliminate the two-child benefit cap. Four of these MPs were readmitted in February, but the remaining members continue to sit as independents.

Pressure to remove the limit has remained, with Labour figures, such as former prime minister Gordon Brown , describing it as a measure that condemns children to poverty last year.

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PHILADELPHIA Careers: The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth

Founded in 1970 by a behavioral health hospital and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1983, The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth is an entrepreneurial social enterprise dedicated to transforming lives and communities.

Headquartered in Audubon , TLC operates across multiple states, providing K-12 alternative education, comprehensive mental and behavioral health services, coaching, counseling, and trauma-informed training.

The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth collaborates with school districts, universities, hospitals, police departments, and nonprofit organizations, offering consultation services to secure federal and state grant funding.

Here are a few of the staff positions currently available at The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth:

Licensed School-based Counselor/Social Worker

The School-based Counselor/Social Worker provides early intervention therapy and counseling services in a designated school district, as well as case management and mental health support services at the school and in the homes of at-risk students.

Additionally, they offer consultation services to school personnel, liaison support to community agencies, and training programs for both school and community populations.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide case management for students and families requiring multiple resources.

• Provide home-based services to the families of students who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing trauma, including those who are low-income, homeless, involved in the child welfare system, or involved in the juvenile justice system.

• Provide mental and behavioral health care services for students with IEPs/504 plans.

• Provide counseling and support services as specified in IEPs/504 plans.

• Comply with all local and Federal laws and regulations related to students with IEPs/504 plans.

• Attend and participate in IEP meetings using a strengths-based and family-centered approach.

• Assist in the production and delivery of IEP progress reports to parents/guardians.

• Provide case management for students and families requiring community resources.

• Provide data and clinical support regarding students’ progress with counseling goals.

• Provide staff with essential information to better understand factors (cultural, societal, economic, family-related, health-related, etc.) affecting a student's performance and behavior.

• Provide direct support and interventions to students exhibiting challenging behaviors.

• Use evidence-based strategies and techniques to de-escalate behavioral incidents.

• Provide counseling and coaching to help students understand and manage their emotions and behaviors.

• Develop proactive strategies to prevent behavioral issues, including classroom accommodations and modifications when necessary.

• Respond to crisis situations while working closely with school security and counseling teams.

• Providing case management for students and families requiring multiple resources.

• Work with parents to facilitate their support in their children's school adjustment.

• Alleviate family stress to enable the child to function more effectively in school and community.

• Assist parents in accessing and utilizing school and community resources.

• Work with those problems in a child's living situation that affect the child's adjustment in school (home, school, and community).

• Obtain and coordinate community resources to meet students’ needs.

• Provide health services and intervention strategies by coordinating the services provided by eligible applicants and coordinated care organizations, public health entities, nonprofit youth service providers, and community-based organizations.

• Foster and promote communication between the school entity, community, and law enforcement.

• Increase access to quality trauma-informed support services and behavioral health care by linking the community with local trauma support and behavioral health systems.

• Help school districts receive adequate support from social and mental health agencies.

• Mobilize family, school, and community resources to enable the child to learn as effectively as possible within his or her educational program.

• Help school districts receive adequate support from social and mental health agencies.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to work effectively on a multi-treatment team.

• Proficient in numerous clinical interventions.

• Knowledge of and ability to access community resources.

• Strong skills in substance abuse intervention.

Education & Experience:

• Education: Master’s degree required, preferably in counseling or social work.

• A License in Social Work (LSW) is required.

Learn more about the Full-time Licensed School-based Counselor/Social Worker position in Norristown.

Full-Time Outpatient Mental Health Therapist

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct evaluations and create personalized treatment plans.
• Use evidence-based approaches to meet clients’ diverse needs.
• Maintain timely documentation of client progress.
• Provide psychoeducation to clients and families.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team while upholding ethical standards.

What You Bring:

• Education: Master's degree in a behavioral health field.
• Licensure: Clinical License or working toward licensure (supervision provided). Must hold a PA license; telehealth options available.
• Strong counseling, communication, and organizational skills.

Work Environment:

• Location: Office-based, telehealth, and community outreach options are available.
• Full-Time Expectations: Average of 25 client hours per week.

Compensation:

This is a salary-based position. There is an opportunity for a bonus structure in addition to the salary if the net average of clients seen exceeds 25 client hours per week.

Why You'll Love It Here:

• Conduct individual therapy, lead groups, or provide community training—your choice!
• Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance.
• Full credentialing coverage.
• Competitive benefits, CEU/training reimbursement, and clinical growth opportunities.
• TLC Wellness is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer.
• Supportive, growing team where your vision and ideas are valued.

Learn more about the Outpatient Mental Health Therapist Position.

Board-Certified Behavior Analyst

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will work with elementary, middle, and/or high school students at a Philadelphia-based charter school to (a) study the behavior of students and create plans to improve or change problematic behaviors; (b) work with students who have developmental disabilities, brain injuries, or emotional control, social, or behavioral issues; and/or (c) help students manage issues such as stress or anger in healthier ways or achieve personal behavior goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Meet with students and parents to observe and assess student behavior.
• Meet with families, teachers, or doctors to discuss the student's treatment and progress and recommend ways to address behavioral issues.
• Develop individual plans to correct, maintain, or improve certain behaviors.
• Help clients set and meet behavior goals.
• Keep detailed notes of student meetings and progress.
• Use methods such as reinforcement and conditioning to correct or reduce aggressive, harmful, and anti-social behaviors and to encourage positive behaviors.
• Facilitate and assist in the development and identification of resources and support information for students and their families.
• Provide model teaching and other direct instructional support, including but not limited to practicum.
• Develop and implement assessment tools; conduct functional assessments and analyses.
• Develop appropriate behavior strategies to teach appropriate behavior and reduce maladaptive behaviors
• Conduct research and apply findings to their work.

Skills & Knowledge :

• Successful completion of an internship and/or formal training in behavior analysis.
• Applied behavior management and analysis skills.
• Communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with a variety of clients across different ages and functional levels, and with minimal direction.

Education & Experience:

• Education: Master's degree required.
• Certification: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)® certification required in Pennsylvania.

Work Environment:

Home, school, community, and office environments.

Work Hours:

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, 43-week position.

Travel:

Travel to the designated school, various homes, and community settings within the school community.

Learn more about the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst position .

See all the available job openings at The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth.

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