Child custody: counseling of parents and child.
The proposed legislation will amend existing family law provisions to prohibit courts from ordering a child to be transported to a facility or program addressing parental alienation without the consent of both parents and the child (if aged 12 or older). This adds a layer of parental oversight and protection against potentially harmful practices by private transport companies, which have previously operated without sufficient regulation, sometimes resulting in distressing encounters during enforced removals from homes.
Assembly Bill 1019, introduced by Assembly Member Pellerin, focuses on regulating private youth transport companies engaged in transporting minors to reunification therapy camps as part of court orders related to child custody. The bill seeks to ensure the safety of children during transportation while imposing stringent requirements on these transport providers. Specifically, the bill mandates that transport companies must be licensed and that their personnel undergo trauma-informed training to minimize adverse effects on children subjected to such transport.
The overarching sentiment toward AB 1019 appears to be one of support for child welfare, with many stakeholders advocating for stronger safeguards in family court proceedings. The bill seeks to retain the best interests of the child as paramount in custody disputes. However, there are concerns regarding the implications of consent requirements, which could complicate legal proceedings further and affect timely access to necessary therapy.
A significant point of contention surrounding this bill is the balance between necessary intervention by family courts and the rights of parents and their children. Critics argue that while the bill aims to protect children, it may inadvertently delay needed therapeutic interventions by imposing additional consent hurdles. Meanwhile, supporters emphasize the need to address the alleged abuses of private youth transport companies and the imperative for adequate protections for vulnerable children during potentially traumatic experiences.