Kayden’s Law, named in memory of Kayden Mancuso, strengthens protections for children in custody cases where there is a history of abuse or domestic violence. It requires the Court to:
- Ensure custody decisions do not place a child at risk of harm.
- Consider evidence of abuse.
- Promote the safety of the child and implement certain conditions if there has been a finding of abuse.
- Assess the criminal background and abuse history of each party and household members.
If abuse is a concern in your case, it is critical to provide the Court with all relevant documentation if you have any, including but not limited to:
- Police reports
- Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders
- Any other evidence of harm or risk to the child
Required Forms Under Kayden’s Law
To comply with Kayden’s Law and ensure child safety, the Court requires the following forms in custody cases:
1. Custody Consent Verification Form
Before the Court can approve and enter a custody consent order, all parties must complete and submit this form. It verifies that no party or household member poses a risk to the child.
2. Criminal Record and Abuse History Verification Form
This form provides the Court with information about any criminal history or abuse findings that could impact custody decisions. It must be filed early in the case and updated if circumstances change.
3. Affidavit of Accountability of Non-Professional Supervisor
If your custody arrangement includes a non-professional supervisor (such as a family member or friend), this affidavit confirms that the supervisor understands their responsibilities and agrees to comply with Court requirements.
Continuing Obligation
Parties have a continuing obligation to update these forms if circumstances change. Failure to do so may affect your custody order.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are these forms required?
They help the Court ensure child safety and comply with Pennsylvania law in custody cases.
2. What happens if I don’t submit the forms?
The Court may not approve or enter your custody consent order until all required forms are completed and submitted.
3. Do household members need to meet these requirements too?
Yes. The verification forms require information about all household members.