Kayden Mancuso, a 7-year-old Pennsylvania resident, was murdered by her biological father on August 6th, 2018. What followed was a storm of media and legal pressure because Kayden’s murder was completely avoidable. Her mother and primary guardian, Kathryn Giglio, expressed concerns to the judge about Kayden’s safety. Her father, Jeffrey Mancuso, had a known history of abuse, yet that history was not considered because it did not directly impact Kayden at the time. Weeks later, Kayden was murdered and Jeffrey immediately committed suicide.
States such as California, Utah, Colorado, and Tennessee have laws reflecting similar situations that took place in their respective territories. Upon hearing Kayden’s case, new adaptations were made. President Biden also included Kayden’s Law in the Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA). Although laws were being changed and added in numerous states, Kayden’s home state of Pennsylvania had yet to pass legislation to prevent another case.
PA State Senators Baker and Santarsiero brought Kayden’s Law Senate Bill 55 (originally Senate Bill 78) forward in 2021. It was passed in the Senate in June of 2021 but languished for 18 months before being dismissed by the House. Despite their failure, they continued to advocate for the bill and for children like Kayden. “What happened to Kayen was a heartbreaking tragedy, but, unfortunately, not unique,” Sens. Santarsiero and Baker said in a 2023 memo. They found that in over 4,000 cases abusive parents were granted custody 81% of the time.
Opposers were worried that the law would disproportionately target poor, underrepresented communities. Less legal funds would mean a greater number of unassailable accusations for these minorities. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) opposed the 2021 version of the bill fearing that it was too broad. They argued that different charges carry different weights and there needs to be distinctions in law so that judges aren’t taking children away from their parents after minor charges. Once the bill was amended, the ACLU changed its position to neutral.
In addition to lowering the risk of child abuse, the bill will advocate for an annual educational and training program for judges and relevant court personnel on child abuse, adverse childhood experiences, domestic violence, and its impact on children.
Senate Bill 55 is a bipartisan bill brought forth by both Democrat and republican sponsors. “The health and safety of all children in this Commonwealth must be the first priority in all decisions concerning child custody,” aaid Senator Santarsiero, one of the bill’s main sponsors and a resident of Kayden’s home township Lower Makefield.
Upon passing easily through both the House of Representatives and the Senate in this past session, Kayden’s Law took its place on the governor’s desk. The bill was signed by PA Governor Josh Shapiro on April 8th, and today, 120 days later, Kayden’s Law is officially enforced.
