Goodlatte Applauds Passage of Resolution to Enhance Child Safety in Family Court Cases

Statement

The House of Representatives today approved H. Con. Res. 72 by voice vote to express the sense of Congress that child safety should be the first priority in custody and visitation adjudications at family state courts.

There is concern that state family courts are not adequately hearing and evaluating claims of child abuse and domestic violence during custody disputes. According to the Leadership Council on Child Abuse and Interpersonal Violence, an estimated 58,000 children a year are court-ordered into the unsafe custody or care of abusive parents. In addition, over the past decade, the Center for Judicial Excellence has documented over 650 child homicides across the United States by a parent involved in a conflict related to divorce, separation, custody, visitation, or child support. H. Con. Res. 72 urges state courts to adjudicate child abuse claims first and calls on states to establish standards for these cases.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) applauded today's vote to protect children in the statement below.

Chairman Goodlatte: "The safety and wellbeing of children should be the first consideration in everything we do, especially in custody disputes. Sadly, it is estimated that tens of thousands of children are ordered by state courts to return to an unsafe environment or to the custody of an abusive parent. Today, the House voted to make it clear that the safety of the child should be the first priority in any custody or visitation case. By taking this action, we hope to protect children and avoid preventable and tragic situations."

Source