Northwestern Youth Services, Inc. v. Commonwealth

OPINION

Justice SAYLOR.*

This is a direct appeal challenging the Commonwealth Court’s determination that an administrative bulletin issued by the Department of Public Welfare is comprised of procedurally improper regulations.

I. Background

Per the Public Welfare Code,1 county governments bear the responsibility for the delivery of adequate public welfare services to Pennsylvania’s children who require them. See 62 P.S. § 2305. County children and youth agencies often fulfill this duty through contracts with licensed private organizations. Appellees are nonprofit entities furnishing out-of-home…