The Keeping Children Safe From Family Violence Act aka VAWA Kayden’s Law
The Keeping Children Safe From Family Violence Act or "Kayden’s Law" in VAWA, incentivizes states to ensure that their child custody laws adequately protect at-risk children by:
1. Restricting expert testimony to only those who are appropriately qualified to provide it.
Evidence from court-appointed or outside professionals regarding alleged abuse may be admitted only when the professional possesses demonstrated expertise and experience in working with victims of domestic violence or child abuse, including child sexual abuse.
2. Limiting the use of reunification camps and therapies which cannot be proven to be safe and effective.
No “reunification treatment” may be ordered by the court without scientifically valid and generally accepted proof of the safety, effectiveness and therapeutic value of the particular treatment.
3. Providing evidence-based ongoing training to judges and court personnel on family violence subject matter, including:
(i) child sexual abuse;
(ii) physical abuse;
(iii) emotional abuse;
(iv) coercive control;
(v) implicit and explicit bias;
(vi) trauma;
(vii) long and short-term impacts of domestic violence and child abuse on children; and
(viii) victim and perpetrator behaviors.
4. Courts must consider evidence of past sexual or physical abuse, including protection orders, arrests, and convictions for domestic violence, sexual violence, or child abuse of the accused parent”
Upcoming Events
Next Event: September Advocate Meeting will take place December 8, 2022
NSPO's ongoing LIVE Advocacy Event Series is designed to help support you to raise awareness, bring "The Keeping Children Safe From Family Violence Act" (aka Kayden’s Law in VAWA) to your state, connect you with others in your state to streamline your advocacy efforts. These events will be held on the second Thursday of each month and will feature special guests and cover various topics.
Please request access for the free advocacy event series and links for the events will be emailed to you on the day of each event.
*Please request your link by 1pm PT/4pm ET on the day of the event. If you have signed up for previous events, you will automatically receive the link 1-2 two hours prior to the event.
With Appreciation
The National Safe Parents Organization extends our deepest gratitude to Senators Durbin, Ernst, Feinstein and Murkowski, to the National Family Violence Law Center at GW, to Kayden’s family, and to everyone involved in #KaydensLaw in #VAWA. A very and special thanks to Angelina for your advocacy to protect all of our nation's children.
Washington, D.C. Press Conference on February 9, 2022: Angelina Jolie on Kayden's Law in VAWA