PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB288

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB288

Introduced
4/24/23  

Caption

In child custody, further providing for factors to consider when awarding custody and providing for solicitation and consideration of family finding and kinship care provider testimony.

Impact

The passage of HB 288 would refine existing child custody statutes to incorporate more holistic considerations that include the role of extended family and caregivers. This change could lead to more stable and supportive environments for children by prioritizing relationships with kin. The introduction of kinship care provider testimony as a factor would acknowledge and bolster non-parental family support systems critical for child welfare, potentially altering how courts view custodial arrangements and the resources available for children.

Summary

House Bill 288 aims to enhance the legal framework governing child custody decisions by providing additional factors for courts to consider when awarding custody. This bill emphasizes the importance of family finding and the testimony of kinship care providers, which are aimed at ensuring that custody decisions are made in the best interests of the child. By facilitating the inclusion of relatives and other family-like figures in custody considerations, the bill seeks to strengthen familial connections and support systems for children involved in custody disputes.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HB 288 is generally positive, with proponents advocating for the necessity of a family-centric approach to custody decisions. Legislators and child welfare advocates argue that recognizing kin and promoting family involvement in custody proceedings can lead to better outcomes for children. However, some reservations exist regarding the practical implementation of these new factors and whether they may complicate or prolong custody disputes, indicating a degree of skepticism among certain stakeholders.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 288 include concerns about the adequacy of resources for kinship care providers and the potential for varying interpretations of the new factors by courts. Critics may argue that while the intent is to enhance child welfare, the implementation could strain the judicial process or lead to inconsistent rulings across jurisdictions. Debates have centered on balancing the rights of parents with the importance of facilitating strong family ties, highlighting a key tension in family law regarding custody and caregiving.

Latest HB288 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB378

In child custody, further providing for factors to consider when awarding custody.

PA HB2018

In child custody, further providing for factors to consider when awarding custody.

PA HB1684

In child custody, further providing for definitions, for award of custody, for standing for partial physical custody and supervised physical custody, for presumption in cases concerning primary physical custody, for factors to consider when awarding custody, for consideration of criminal conviction and for parenting plan; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1499

In child custody, further providing for definitions, for award of custody, for standing for partial physical custody and supervised physical custody, for presumption in cases concerning primary physical custody, for factors to consider when awarding custody, for consideration of criminal conviction and for parenting plan; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1928

In child custody, further providing for definitions, for award of custody, for factors to consider when awarding custody, for consideration of criminal conviction, for guardian ad litem for child, for counsel for child and for award of counsel fees, costs and expenses; and, in Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, providing for child abuse and domestic abuse education and training program for judges and court personnel.

PA SB55

In child custody, further providing for definitions, for award of custody, for factors to consider when awarding custody, for consideration of criminal conviction, for guardian ad litem for child, for counsel for child and for award of counsel fees, costs and expenses; and, in Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, providing for child abuse and domestic abuse education and training program for judges and court personnel.

PA SB137

Provide for the consideration of a child's wishes in awarding custody.

PA HB2326

Adding consideration of whether the offender has physical custody of such offender's minor child or is a legal guardian or custodian with physical custody of a minor child to the factors considered for diversions and dispositional departures.

PA HB1699

In child custody, further providing for award of custody, repealing provisions relating to relocation and providing for relocation.

PA HB1412

In child custody, further providing for modification of existing order.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.