Kayden’s Law: Call to Action
Monday is a very important day — Kayden’s Law is being heard by the House Judiciary Committee. To those of us who have been affected by the shortcomings and failures in the family court system, we understand the importance of laws like Kayden’s Law.
There are two problems that we are up against - and we need to collectively amplify our voices….(quickly because the clock is ticking).
The majority have never experienced the reality of our present day court system. They are operating under the notion that the family court system acts “in the best interest” of children. Most are shocked to hear our stories - and to face the reality that our court system is failing to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
While child safety just seems like common sense, there are actually people who are fighting to keep important bills like Kayden’s Law from passing.
Frank P. Cervone is leading the charge - he seems personally vested in stopping Kayden’s Law, even testifying against Kathy Sherlock’s calls for reform just one month after Kayden was brutally murdered. Mr. Cervone was quoted in an ABC News interview (see interview below), “It’s not uncommon for a parent with a criminal history, including crimes of violence, to be awarded unsupervised custody. When you think of the numbers of persons in this country who have criminal records, including for violent behavior, we would have lots more kids in foster care and lots more kids not seeing their parent.“
Newsflash, Mr. Frank P. Cervone: Given that you are inserting yourself into an interview about Kayden, one month after she was murdered, I’d like to take the opportunity to correct you: Kayden (and the vast majority of children in private custody cases in the family court system) would NOT be in foster care - she would be safe, and alive, with her loving mother.
YOUR CALL TO ACTION:
Watch both videos below (ABC News and “What About Us”) to familiarize yourself with Kayden Mancuso’s story.
Please email your written testimony to the following lawmakers this weekend. At the top of the email and in the subject heading, please write: “Testimony in Support of SB78 Kayden's Law, House Judiciary hearing Nov 15, 2021.”
House Judiciary Chair Rob Kauffman Emaynard@pahousegop.com
House Judiciary Chair Tim Briggs TBriggs@pahouse.net
Family Law Subcommittee Chair Kate Klunk kklunk@pahousegop.com
Family Law Subcommittee Chair Liz Hanbidge LHanbidge@pahouse.net
Johnathan Hershey Jhershey@pahousegop.com
Torren Ecker Tecker@pahousegop.com
Natalie Mihalek Nmihalek@pahousegop.com
Emily Kinkead EKinkead@pahouse.net
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Public hearing in the Capitol building in Harrisburg, PA on the morning of Nov 15th, 9:30am, Irvis Building. Ask at the front entry of Capitol in which room the House Judiciary Family Law Subcommittee is holding hearing on SB78. There will also be a media event at 11:45am ET in the Capitol Main Rotunda immediately after hearing, please attend. There will be opportunity to speak.
My final ask, as you write your email — please remember that together, we are Kayden’s voice.
Please light a candle in her honor and play her favorite song….
”This is my fight song”
Like a small boat
On the ocean
Sending big waves
Into motion
Like how a single word
Can make a heart open
I might only have one match
But I can make an explosion
