A bill to better protect children in child custody situations, has been signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro, officials confirmed Tuesday.
Kayden’s Law, years in the making, received final passage by the House last month and went to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk.
Officials said a ceremonial signing of the bill into law most likely happen in the coming weeks.
In honor of Kayden Mancuso, a seven-year-old from Lower Makefield Township, who was killed in August 2018 by her biological father during a court-ordered, unsupervised visit granted following a year-long custody dispute.
Credit: Laughs for Recovery
State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) said Kayden’s Law wll:
- Strengthen the current factors that judges must consider in making custody and visitation decisions, to make it clear that the most important issue is the protection of the child.
- Ensure that if there is a finding by the court of an ongoing risk of abuse, that any custody order includes safety conditions and restrictions necessary, including supervised visitation, to protect the child.
- Encourage the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to implement an annual educational and training program for judges and relevant court personnel on child abuse, adverse childhood experiences, domestic violence, and its impact on children.
“Today is a great day. Today we are one step closer to protecting children in custody cases. This has been a years-long collaborative effort led by the tireless advocacy of Kayden’s mom Kathy Sherlock, along with family law advocates and experts. Kayden’s Law is finally headed to the Governor for signature and, when signed into law, will save children’s lives by ensuring the safety of the child is paramount in custody cases and that no child will ever again be placed alone in a dangerous environment,” Santarsiero said when the bill jumped over its final hurdles.
He also thanked his Senate colleague Lisa Baker (R) and state representatives Perry Warren (D Bucks) Tina Davis (D-Bucks) for shepherding the House version of the bill.
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