DALLAS — Sen. Lisa Baker said on Tuesday that crucial legislation aimed at saving children’s lives is now going to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office after being formally approved by the House.
Baker explained that Senate Bill 55, known as Kayden’s Law, is a law that brings much-needed changes to Pennsylvania’s child custody rules.
The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Baker, R-Lehman Twp., and Sen. Steve Santarsiero, D-10, is named after Kayden Mancuso, a seven-year-old from Lower Makefield Twp., who was tragically killed in August 2018 by her biological father during a court-ordered unsupervised visit following a year-long custody battle.
“When we face a heartbreaking loss like Kayden’s, it is our duty to ensure that similar circumstances can be avoided as much as possible under the law and human judgment,” Baker said. “Punishing the perpetrator is not sufficient. This bill underwent extensive debate and advocacy to reach the point of passage. Adding seven offenses that judges must consider is a responsible response to the suffering that Kayden endured.”
Santarsiero added, “Today is a great day. Today we are one step closer to safeguarding children in custody cases. This has been a collaborative effort lasting several years, led by the persistent advocacy of Kayden’s mother Kathy Sherlock, along with family law advocates and experts. Kayden’s Law is finally on its way to the governor for approval and, once enacted, will save children’s lives by ensuring the safety of the child is the primary concern in custody cases and that no child will ever again be placed alone in a dangerous environment.”
Kayden’s Law will:
• Enhance the current factors that judges must consider when making decisions about custody and visitation, to clarify that the most significant issue is the protection of the child.
• Ensure that if the court finds an ongoing risk of abuse, any custody order includes necessary safety conditions and restrictions, including supervised visitation, to protect the child.
• Urge the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to establish an annual education and training program for judges and relevant court staff on child abuse, adverse childhood experiences, and domestic violence and its impact on children.
Santarsiero continued, “I want to express my gratitude to my colleague and friend, Sen. Lisa Baker, for her collaboration in drafting the bill and helping it pass through the Senate. I also want to thank my counterparts in the House, Tina Davis and Perry Warren, for their efforts on this matter. Most importantly, I want to thank Kayden’s mother Kathy Sherlock for her bravery and determination to educate the public, lawmakers, and court staff about the importance of this issue. This bill may not erase the deep pain that Kathy and her family have endured, but by protecting our children in the future, I hope it will bring them some comfort.”
“Over five years ago, I made a promise to do whatever was necessary to protect children, and today, our ‘not one more’ mission is becoming a reality in Pennsylvania,” said Kathy Sherlock. “Children should never be forced to remain in abusive or unsafe situations. I am grateful for Senators Santarsiero and Baker, and Representatives Davis and Warren for their commitment to ensuring the passage of legislation that puts sensible safeguards in place to save children’s lives. I also want to express my profound appreciation for the advocacy and guidance of Danielle Pollack and the National Family Violence Law Center.”
Senate Bill 55 is now heading to Gov. Shapiro for him to sign it.
