Bill > SB55

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Domestic Relations and Judiciary and Judicial Procedure laws to provide further protections for children in custody cases. Key provisions include: - Expanding the definition of "abuse" to include stalking and excluding justified use of force for self-protection; - Requiring the court to consider a history of abuse, criminal convictions, and child abuse/domestic abuse when awarding custody, and to include necessary safety conditions, restrictions, or safeguards in custody orders; - Establishing a rebuttable presumption for supervised physical custody if there is an ongoing risk of abuse; - Providing for the appointment of guardians ad litem and legal counsel for children in abuse cases; - Allowing the court to award counsel fees for parties acting in bad faith to protect the child from harm; and - Requiring the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to develop an education and training program for judges and court personnel on child abuse, domestic abuse, and their impact on children.