PENNSYLVANIA — In a landmark decision on Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 55, also known as Kayden’s Law. The bi-partisan legislation, aimed at reforming the state’s child custody statute, is named after seven-year-old Kayden Mancuso, who tragically lost her life during a court-ordered, unsupervised visit with her biological father following a year-long custody dispute.
Sponsored by Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Lisa Baker (R-20), Kayden’s Law seeks to amend Titles 23 and 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing comprehensive reform in child custody cases. The bill seeks to redefine certain terms, set new standards for awarding custody, consider criminal convictions, and establish guidelines for judges and court personnel’s education and training on child abuse and domestic violence.
“Kayden’s Law will ensure the safety of the child is paramount in custody cases and will save children’s lives,” said Senator Santarsiero. “No child in Pennsylvania should fear for their safety or be left alone with an abuser.”
Senator Baker added, “With the passage of Kayden’s Law, we are updating the criteria courts must consider before custody of a child is awarded, including adding seven crimes to the list of offenses that must be taken into account when rendering judgement.”
The key provisions of Kayden’s Law include strengthening the factors that judges must consider in making custody and visitation decisions, ensuring that any custody order includes safety conditions and restrictions necessary to protect the child if there is an ongoing risk of abuse, and encouraging 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, and domestic violence.
The unanimous passage of Kayden’s Law marks a significant step towards safeguarding children’s welfare in custody disputes. The legislation now moves to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for consideration.
Kayden’s mother, Kathy Sherlock, who has been a tireless advocate for the bill, expressed her gratitude for the support she received on this journey. “With today’s overwhelming vote for Kayden’s Law, we are one step closer to fulfilling our mission of ‘not one more’,” she said.
This legislation serves as a reminder that child safety is paramount and that it is the responsibility of the system to ensure that no child is ever left in a situation where they fear for their safety.
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