Bill > SB868

This bill amends Pennsylvania's laws on child custody to further protect the health and safety of children. Key provisions include: - Expanding the definition of "abuse" to include crimes like harassment and stalking, and clarifying that justified self-defense does not constitute abuse. - Requiring courts to prioritize the child's health, safety, and well-being when determining custody, and to only award custody to a parent who does not jeopardize the child's safety. - Establishing presumptions for supervised physical custody when there is a history of abuse, with the abusive parent required to cover supervision costs. - Requiring courts to consider specific factors related to abuse and domestic violence when awarding custody, and making clear that a parent's reasonable efforts to protect a child should not be held against them. - Allowing courts to appoint a guardian ad litem or counsel for the child in cases involving abuse or domestic violence allegations. - Requiring courts to order the abusive parent to pay the other party's legal fees and treatment expenses related to the abuse. - Directing the state's Administrative Office of the Courts to develop training programs for judges and court personnel on recognizing and responding to child abuse and domestic violence. The overall intent is to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children are the top priority in all child custody decisions.