People's Voice

A Publication of Northwestern Legal Services

Serving Northwestern Pennsylvania since 1969

Executive Director:
Robert A. Oakley, Esq.
(814) 452-6849, Ext. 123

Editor:
Salvador A. Parco,Ph.D.
Community Educator
(814)452-6949,Ext.105
Fax (814) 452-3734

Community Education
is partially funded by United Way
of Erie County

Articles in this newsletter are for general information only and not specific legal advice. If you have a specific legal problem, you should consult an attorney.

A learner's permit is now valid for one year after date of issue..  The learner's permit holder is allowed to fail the driver's examination three times within the one-year period..

PA Act 23 Changes Student Driver's Privileges

A student driver with a learner’s permit must be accompanied or supervised by a person who is at least 21 years old. However, if the supervisor is the spouse, parent, guardian or person in loco parentis of the learner’s permit holder, he or she must be 18 years old. He or she must also be a licensed driver and must sit beside the student driver. (PA Act 23, Amended Vehicle Code 75 PA.C.S.)

     A learner’s permit is now valid for one year after date of issue, instead of 120 days. The learner’s permit holder is allowed to retake the driver’s examination after three failures within the one-year period, instead of 120 days.

     Before a person under 18 may take the examination for a junior driver’s license, the minor must have held a learner’s permit for a period of six months. He or she must present a certification form signed by the father, mother, guardian, person in loco parentis or spouse of a married minor stating that the minor applicant has completed 50 hours of practical driving experience while being accompanied by a supervisor who is 21 years old or any of the above close relatives.

     The junior driver must have the certification form completed when he or she is ready for the licensing examination. The form will be made available through the mail or electronic means. The law aims to reduce auto accidents caused by juveniles.

     Any person who knowingly files a false certification commits a summary offense under Section 6502 (relating to summary offenses).

Grants Available for Anti-Violence in Schools

Schools that establish programs addressing violence can avail of targeted grants from the Office for Safe Schools, according to Act 1999-36 which amended the Public School Code of 1949.

Programs that may qualify for these grants include the following:

• Risk assessment, safety-related or violence prevention curricula.

• Student codes of conduct.

• Training to undertake a districtwide assessment of risk factors that increase the likelihood of problem behaviors among students.

• Development and implementation of research-based violence prevention programs that address risk factors to reduce incidents of problem behaviors among students.

• Comprehensive, districtwide school safety and violence prevention plans.

• Security planning, purchase of security-related technology which may include metal detectors, protective lighting, surveillance equipment, special emergency communications equipment, electronic locksets, deadbolts and theft control devices, and training in the use of security-related technology.

• Institution of student, staff and visitor identification systems.

• Establishment or enhancement of school security personnel, including school resource officers.

• Training for Student Assistance Program team members in the referral of students at risk of violent behavior to appropriate community-based services.

• Alternative education programs.

• Counseling services for students enrolled in alternative education programs.

Need a Speaker for Your Organization - FREE?

If  your group or organization needs a speaker for your meetings/ conferences/ in-service training, the Community Educator of Northwestern Legal Services can conduct a seminar or workshop on any of the following topics:

[ ] CONSUMER/CREDIT: Consumer Fraud, Debt Collection Practices, Your Credit  Record;

[ ] EDUCATION: Students’ Rights, Rights of Children with Special Needs, Chapter 1/Title 1;

[ ] EMPLOYMENT:  Unemployment Compensation, Workers' Compensation, Job Search Skills;

[ ] FAMILY LAW: Protection from Abuse, Divorce, Child Custody and Visitation, Child      Support;

[ ] GOVERNMENT  BENEFITS: TANF, AMR,  Social Security Supplemental Security Income;

[ ] HEALTH CARE: Medicaid, Medicare, Medigap, Living Wills, Children's Health Insurance;

[  ] HOUSING:  Tenants' Rights, Housing Discrimination, Evictions, Mobile Home Park;

[ ] LEGAL AID: Criteria for Free Legal Assistance, District Magistrate Courts, Power of Attorney.

Date of meeting/conference/in-service training ____________________________ Expected attendance ____

[ ] I would like to donate to the publication of People's Voice.  Amount Enclosed:  $_____________

[ ] I would like to receive a free subscription of People's Voice.

Name______________________________________________________Tel.No._________

Organization_______________________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________Zip_____________

Call 452-6949, Ext 105, or fill our this coupon, clip and send to:  Northwestern Legal Services, Attention:  Sal Parco, Community Educator, Suite 1200,  Renaissance Center, 1001 State Street, Erie, PA 16501.  

Many recipients got frustrated when repeatedly told to "get a job" but were not given the tools to do it.

Welfare Recipients Give Feedback on Welfare Reform

"I want to be off welfare." This is what most welfare recipients say. But according to the Women’s Association for Women’s Alternatives, Inc., the greatest obstacles to getting off of welfare are child care, education, and the punitive atmosphere at County Assistance Offices where recipients felt they were not provided with the help they needed to navigate through the welfare system. Many recipients got frustrated when repeatedly told to "get a job" but were not given the tools to do it.

     Interviewed in the spring and early summer of 1998, the 56 women respondents came from six counties in Pennsylvania, including residents of Harrisburg, Lock Haven, Philadelphia, Reading, Bucks County and Pittsburgh. They lived in urban, rural and suburban neighborhoods.

     Only three out of the 56 respondents (5%) were aware that prior to the 24-month work requirement, education/training is permissible as their only activity for 12 months while receiving cash assistance. Only 30% were aware that the two-year limit meant that after 24 months they must be employed 20 hours per week or they may lose their cash assistance.

     Some of the respondents’ recommendations for Pennsylvania’s welfare system included improved access to information; access to education and vocational training; less punitive and more supportive policy and programs; affordable and quality child care; services to non-native English speakers; realistic planning for self-sufficiency.

People's Voice

A Publication of
Northwestern Legal Services
Ste. 1200 Renaissance Centre
1001 State Street
Erie, Pennsylvania 16501-1822
(814) 452-6949 or 1-800-753-5704

Can "10-10" Phone Numbers Save You Money?

    The "10-10" calling plan might save you money for international calls but does not guarantee savings for long distance calls, according to Consumer Action. Before using any 10-10 code, ask about the rates in advance by calling the customer service line as listed below. Some charge a monthly fee*. The terms "10-10" and "dial-around" originated with long distance company access codes that you can use to bypass the primary long distance carrier you have chosen for your home phone. If you don’t want to use your primary carrier, you can dial around and reach other companies by using their 10-10-XXX codes.

Below are the 10-10-numbers, their carriers and customer service numbers: