Rhode Island Senate Bill S1134

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/4/25
• Refer: 6/4/25

Caption

Enacts the Kayden's Law setting guidelines and training for courts, judges and other professionals who make recommendations or decisions about visitation, custody, and placement of children when there are allegations of abuse.

Impact

By enacting this law, the state legislature aims to amend current family law to better protect children from potentially abusive environments. The act incorporates provisions for mandatory training for judges and other court personnel on domestic violence and child abuse dynamics. This training is intended to improve the courts' capacity to hear allegations of abuse seriously, reducing instances where abusive parents are granted custody or contact with their children. In doing so, it aims to disrupt the existing patterns that have allowed abusive parents to minimize the seriousness of allegations against them, thereby enhancing the overall safety and well-being of children involved in custody disputes.

Summary

S1134, known as the Keeping Children Safe From Family Violence Act or Kayden's Law, seeks to strengthen legal protections for children exposed to domestic violence and child abuse during custody proceedings. With evidence indicating that a significant number of children witness domestic violence or experience abuse, the bill mandates training for judges and court officials on recognizing and responding to these critical issues. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing child safety when making custody determinations, especially in cases where abuse has been alleged. The act provides a framework for the courts to better handle such situations, guided by evidence-based practices.

Contention

Notably, the bill addresses significant and contentious issues in family law, such as the frequent dismissal of abuse allegations by courts in custody cases. Critics of the existing system argue that many judges lack adequate training and understanding of the complexities surrounding domestic violence and its impact on children. The bill aims to rectify these shortcomings by requiring expert testimony from trained professionals in cases where domestic violence or child abuse is alleged. However, debates around the bill may arise concerning the burden of proof required in custody disputes and the balance between parental rights and child safety.