HARRISBURG, Pa. — State officials announced changes to the birth certificate request process on Wednesday.
Applicants are now eligible to request a birth certificate at the age of 16, rather than 18.
Officials say it's a move that will help some minors experiencing homelessness more easily navigate the foster or juvenile justice system by accessing personal records that are vital to helping them establish their identity.
"There's a huge issue with thousands of young people who are unable to get their birth certificate. If you can't get your birth certificate, you can't get a state ID, employment, [and] you can't get a passport, so you literally need this document to do anything in your life. This is a big deal for young people," said Kendra Vandewater with Youth Empowerment for Advancement Hangout.
Also announced today was a new fee waiver option. The waiver allows people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are or have been involved in foster care or the juvenile justice system to access their birth certificates without the $20 fee.