Bucks County Democrats Call For Passage Of Kayden’s Law

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Two Bucks County Representatives are urging the state House to pass a law that would release $25 million in additional federal funds for states that reform child custody laws.

Representatives Tina Davis, D-Bucks, and Perry Warren, D-Bucks, are continuing their push to modernize training and safety requirements in child custody cases by imploring the state House to pass 'Kayden's Law', which would reform and improve child custody laws in the state of Pennsylvania.

“By its action, the U.S. Congress both recognized the critical need to reform child custody law and provided funding to support reform,” Representative Warren said in a statement. “Kayden’s Law would protect children and ensure that the best interest of the child is the top priority in custody proceedings. This funding would help Pennsylvania courts implement Kayden’s Law and protect Pennsylvania children.”

The law is named after Kayden Mancuso, a 7-year-old Bucks County student who was murdered by her father in 2018 during an unsupervised visit.

“Warning signs existed of an adult’s violent behavior, communication with the courts occurred and a horrendous crime still took place – robbing this world of a beautiful daughter and loving sister,” Davis said. “Although we can never right that wrong, we are advocating for reforms – placing more emphasis on the protection of children in order to save lives.”

Representatives Davis and Warren are the sponsors of the House version of Kayden’s Law. They have been working with Kayden’s family, including Kathy Sherlock, Kayden's mother. Both representatives have also worked directly with the Kayden’s Korner organization and other child advocacy groups since 2018.

“Kathy Sherlock and her family have been tireless advocates in supporting awareness and legal reform to protect children and save children’s lives,” Warren said. “The federal legislation creates a funding mechanism. Now, the Pennsylvania General Assembly needs to get on board with the Violence Against Women Act and pass Kayden’s Law to become eligible for the funding.”

Along with the reforms that would come with the passing of Kayden's Law, the state of Pennsylvania would receive $25 million in federal funds as a result of their initiative to help protect children.

“The passage of the Violence Against Women Act reinforces what lawmakers from Bucks County have been saying for years, Pennsylvania needs to modernize child custody cases," Davis added. "The most important aspect about Kayden’s Law is its ability to protect the lives of children through increased safety protections and enhanced training."

The passage of this law will see major reformations in child custody laws in Pennsylvania, as well as the awarding of funds to make this a reality. Davis hopes the state House will make a decision on this matter in the near future.

"The time has come for Pennsylvania to act and pass Kayden’s Law," Davis said. "It’s time to pass legislation that would protect our children and families.”