I am writing on behalf of the Public Policy Committee of the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA). We provided these comments to Delegate Leftwich's office early this morning. • We think that 45 days’ notice is far too short for a beneficiary who has concerns about what they have received and wishes to seek legal counsel. Getting in the door for a consultation can take 6 weeks with many, reputable law firms. Not quite understanding the urgency this bill imposes on beneficiaries, we would suggest allowing beneficiaries 120 days. • We are unsure how this “jives” with the one-year statute of limitations set forth in 64.2-796. We are concerned that Section (B)(e) reduces from one year to forty-five days the SOL for trustees proceeding under the new proposed provisions. • The proposed additions seem to apply to both bad actors and good actors alike. For trustees who have been removed by the court, why shorten any time frame an aggrieved party might have to act? • It would also seem reasonable that an objection should contain a basis for said objection. • Fees, it seems, should not automatically be assessed to the trust estate.

Comments Document

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and University of Virginia faculty member who researches pregnancy resulting from rape. I am submitting the attached letter from a Virginia mother who, currently, is being forced to share custody of her daughter with the man who raped her, resulting in the conception of the child. She wished to submit this letter anonymously because she feared the rapist would retaliate against her and her daughter if he knew she was sharing publicly in this manner. Here is a brief excerpt from her harrowing story: "Unfortunately, the trauma of the rape was only the beginning. I have spent the last two years going through something even more traumatizing. A month after my daughter was born, I was served with a lawsuit for a paternity test and joint custody/visitation from my rapist. Every day since then, I have felt totally helpless.... No one should have to stay connected to a rapist.... I want to be a vivacious sales rep again instead of the shell I am now, and I want my daughter to be safe. No one deserves to be essentially tied with hands behind their back, gagged, and have to watch as the child they love goes to someone that they know is dangerous. No one should have to face being forced to continue to communicate for eighteen years with the man that raped her. ...I believe all mothers that have conceived a child through rape and face sharing custody with their rapist have the same feeling—we are being raped, over and over." Currently, Virginia law offers this mother no way to escape from her rapist and protect herself and her daughter. Please support HB 765 to create a path for mothers like her to petition to terminate the rapist's parental rights. Sincerely, Lucy Guarnera, PhD Licensed Clinical Psychologist Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy University of Virginia School of Medicine lag8e@virginia.edu

Comments Document

Hi. Similar bills should be heard jointly. I'm a co-founder of the NVa. Parents United. I seek to provide further details in person. VA should be 50/50 legal and physical custody and enjoined with BOTH parents >1 hour of the children. Code 20.124.2 & .3; any exception, eg Domestic Abuse must have verificable physical proof to aoid falsehoods for custody and other ulterior motives. Regarding GALs &others https://casetext.com/case/bonhotel-v-watts & 2017 cases over turned with abuse of authority https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Ad3aeccf8-0d9a-34fd-9f6e-dd9d781ea976 14th amendment and assurance of 42 U.S.C. Section 1303 (f) and 42 U.S.C. 106(b)(2)(B)(xviii) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) Visitations BOYD, JR. V. COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, Va. App. affirmation No. 1681191 (2020). 27 cases overturned https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15379418.2019.1613204 See also this link https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/cib.pdf on the Court Structure (graphic) that it excludes the fact that the Virginia Bar is an entity of the Virginia Supreme Court - near the bottom - "Uniform Rules and Practices -- Uniformity of practice is regarded as a vital element for the development of a sound judicial system." Uniformity is seriously lacking today in our courts of abitrary, capracious, and subjective bought opinions. In mercy and plea for children and families, please see attached three (3) suggestive 2024 bills via the Center for Rights and Protection of Children (CRPC) that naturally would require your dedication in effort of bi-partisan support and sponsorship in assurance of children's rights and their protection, especially with more and more children being taken across state lines and destroying families per Va. Code § 20.124.3 Best interests of a Child and its interference of such enforcement of the courts orders, constitution, statute and case laws such as Keel vs. Keel, Va. SupCt. (1983) (not upheld by VA SupCt Justice), Va. Code § 20-146.1 Chapter 7.1. Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act and Va. Code §18.2-49.1 per Robert Boyd, Jr. v. Commonwealth of VA, Va. Ct.App. (2020) and others to protect children's rights and equally for all parties. NVa. Parents United, >90 parents growing and we have had meetings over the past years with several parents who experience the similar issues, parents with in the JDR, circuit court, appeal proceedings are often denied fundamental due process and witness to violations like that of 18 U.S.C. Section 242, resulting in the violation of their constitutional rights. This dire situation is causing irreparable harm to countless children, who deserve to grow up in safe and nurturing environments with both parents. URGENT need for action cannot be overstated, as every delay prolongs the suffering of innocent children. This includes parents being punished for seeking protection of their children as required reporting under 42 U.S.C. Section 1303(f) and 42 U.S.C. 106(b)(2)(B)(xviii) (CAPTA). Please see the middle section https://www.linkedin.com/posts/trward_antitrafficking-children-childrensrights-activity-7152379678731751425-AWmG Random acts of kindness https://lnkd.in/d-DDffTa & https://lnkd.in/gYWJbrsC https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:7153416274314760192?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A%28ugcPost%3A7153416274314760192%2C7155405374173433856%29 Thank you

I SUPPORT THE AMENDMENTS TO HB766 . PLEASE PASS THIS MUCH NEEDED BILL FOR COURT REFORM, TRAUMA AWARENESS TRAINING, AND AMEND IT ALSO TO INCLUDE COERCIVE CONTROL AS A CRIME AND AS ABUSE.

I really hope these to bills are past, we defaintly need judges to be train on the sverity and harm on children if the evidence is not taken serious in many case.We need a full investigation on how abuse is handled over all. In many of our cases the judge penalized or punished us for bring up claims of abuse on our kids. My evidence was true and I, school officals and psychologist were deeply concern with the change in my son behavior, health and education. I had solid proof that son being under dads care was a real concern and not at all in best interest of child. I feel these bills speaks , finally our concerns for years . No judge should be allowed to gear away from the facts, give a opinion this creates bias, dismissing all evience by the parent reporting the abuse, only excepting evidence from one parent and not other creating double standards . Evidence should be heard equally from both parents when it comes to children well being and determining what is best for children. How is it possible a judge can say i do not believe this parent ever violates the order,or i do not want to hear about abuse claim in my court room or get out. This should never happen, judges should be impartical and stick to the laws and facts when i had solid proof and evidence that my son was being abused and have a order in place give every little time supervised which was given to me as punishment for reporting abuse when i have no record or history of ever being abusive or harmful to my child and also proof have not seen my son in 4 years, because judge believes ex follows order so she dismissed my motion, blocked me from returning again. My order says alot to the harm this judge has done to my son and I. If we have judges not obeying or being force to stick or follow these laws in place, that is where the problem is. These laws will happen and i pray they get voted in for the betterment of children. Also shared parenting max time with both parents is crucial in child over all development speaking as a teacher. No judge should be ruling for sole custody only on very extreme cases with proof from professional intervention this is needed. a child has the right to love and be with both parents equally

Comments Document

Please see the attached stance of the "Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence for the 24th Judicial District of Virginia."

Dear Virginia House of Delegates Courts of Justice Civil Subcommittee Members: I am writing this in support of HB766, as amended. This bill, like many others, is a reactive measure to situations that can be prevented. I write this wearing many hats: I am a domestic violence advocate as well as a protective parent. As an advocate, this story and many others very similar were what we faced when meeting a victim/survivor. Providing safety plans and rehearsing protocols sometimes are not enough; however, as an advocate it was my job to give every tool possible to keep a victim and their children safe. Consequently, the sad reality is that I had to explain to victims/survivors that situations aren’t black and white and no judge rules the same way when handling protective orders, custody or visitation orders. Specifically, when speaking about protective orders in our locality it was common practice for judges to deny children on a protective order if the parent was the victim of abuse regardless of whether a child was witness to or was exposed to that violence. Realistically, it was common for an abusive parent to receive visitation or even joint custody of their child(ren). The sad truth is that one of the most common questions that is asked of victims is, “Why did/do you stay in that environment?” The answer is simple - they stay because a mom would rather be the target of violence if it means the child doesn’t endure it. Also, they will stay to ensure the safety of their child and if they are still in the home, they can protect them as much as possible. The real question should be why does an abuser abuse? The recidivism in domestic violence is extremely high because victims will return to abuse to protect their children. As a protective parent, I lived this nightmare. I, too, had to get creative in ways to protect my children. Mine children's father was verbally and psychologically abusive which are the hardest forms of abuse to prove. In fact, it took me nearly 5 years to build a case in order to get supervised visitation and even then, it was supervised by a person from my abuser’s side of the family. I ended my relationship with my abusive husband/ abuser after 10 years of marriage which started at the age of 16. He chose drugs and alcohol as the priority in his life, including during his visitation times. One day, he was arrested due to illegal drugs and was supposed to have visitation with his kids. I chose the safety of my child that Friday and refused to allow my son to go for visitation. I knew I could face consequences for that choice but I was willing to take my chances. He was bonded out for his new drug charges and was released from jail. The next day was a Saturday and he was irate that I refused for our son to go with him. He went to a bar and drank until he was obliterated. He drove himself, his girlfriend and his 2-year-old son in her vehicle and he drove over 100 mph down a busy road crashing the car into a concrete barrier. He killed himself, his girlfriend and his 2-year-old son. This could have been prevented but most importantly I knew what was right for my son and I put my foot down. Today my son, who would have been in that same vehicle, is proudly serving in the United States Navy. I am pleading with you to vote “YES” for HB766, our children need to be safe and feel safe. Sincerely, DV Advocate/Protective Parent

Vote yes for the good of mental health outcomes in the state of Virginia.

Voting yes

Comments Document

Dear VA Courts of Justice (House & Senate): All related matters should be heard jointly, not different times/sessions. It’s 21st century and imperative to comprehensively revamp this code. Its current language sets for arbitrary, capricious, and subjective ways. It’s necessity to meticulously examine the incentives at play. Marriage involves two, while divorce requires only one. Childrens’ Constitutional rights are violated by this and similar statutes, conflicting with Amendments 1, 5, and 14th. Despite good intentions, the legal process often falls short of the desired codes. Simply, best interest of a child is a 50/50 arrangement with both parents. While protections maybe warranted, it is crucial to emphasize that the US Code takes precedence over state codes. Essential to combatting false accusations and the misuse of legal processes. Implementing measures that deter and penalize false allegations, including false police reporting and perjury, is necessary to uphold constitutional rights and statutory provisions, with time loss and time given. Northern Virginia Parents United, >90 parents facing similar issues in family (JDR), circuit, Appeals, and Supreme Court proceedings, witness fundamental due process denials and violations akin to 18 U.S.C. Section 242. Such infringements lead to constitutional rights violations and the non-upholding of US and Virginia Codes. This situation is causing irreparable harm to children, necessitating urgent action to prevent prolonged suffering. Parents seeking protection for their children, per 42 U.S.C. Section 1303(f) and 42 U.S.C. 106(b)(2)(B)(xviii) (CAPTA), often face punishment. Courts neglect their own rules, like Va. Supreme Court Rule 5:13, failing to enforce orders, lack a preponderance of evidence, zealous prosecutions, involving FOIA'ed emails from police, Commonwealth, and the Defendant, violation of 18 U.S.C. §242, facilitating children across state lines, as per Code §18.2-49.1. The Center for Rights and Protection of Children proposes bills in bipartisan support address violating Va. Code §20.124.2 & .3 "Best interests of a Child" and (non)enforcement of court orders and codes, Va. Code §20-146.1 Chapter 7.1. UCCJEA, and Va. Code §18.2-49.1 per BOYD, JR. V. COMMONWEALTH OF VA, Va. Ct.App. (2020). The plea is to apply codes consistently, protecting children's rights and ensuring equality for all parties as the initial basis for custody. Watch & read: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BudeCZ8d7_A https://erasingfamily.org/ & "Erasing Families" from children's perspective https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLCsbtS9dUA&feature=youtu.be https://parentingopinions.com/why-children-need-both-parents/#:~:text=Research%20has%20shown%20that%20children%20raised%20in%20two-parent,the%20benefits%20they%20bring%20to%20a%20child%E2%80%99s%20development GALs: https://casetext.com/case/bonhotel-v-watts https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Ad3aeccf8-0d9a-34fd-9f6e-dd9d781ea976. Please review cases like Va Supreme Ct #240049 (VAC0883-23-4) & #230358 (VAC1336-22-4) that exemplify instances where and how legal process appears to deviate from the Constitution, codes, rules, and case law such as KEEL VS. KEEL, VA SupCt (1984); as Protection Orders are given away like candy lacking a standard of preponderance of evidence (physical in particular), many with ulterior motive per COMMONWEALTH OF Va V. AMOS, Va. SCt. (2014) & U.S. V. MORGAN, (1954). Thank YOU, NVPU

As a mother that faced horrible abuse from domestic violence that included the abuse of my children, I needed options here in Virginia. There was no early intervention and we could not find safety and help. Since that time, I now understand how concerning the numbers are with state intervention and what happens to families in court. We are called by our oaths to hold up the protections of both the United States and Virginia Constitutions to protect the God given rights of citizens. Anyone that looks at the numbers of abuse, exploitation and harm done to children can not deny there are better ways to support families in crisis and ensure safety. The situation is complex. Yet there are ways to stop the harm and abuses of agencies, lawyers and judges. There are ways to build a better system that protect children and transition families safely through crisis. We can ensure best laws are in place to allow this to happen. I am asking for a YES on HB890 & HB766. This is a start and part of improving what is being done. We need 50/50 custody as a default, and we need highly train individuals that have the least amount of retraumatising and exploiting both parents and children. We must work to stabilize the longevity of family for the best interest of children. Covering up abuse, erasing parents and putting children in greater risk of long term addiction, abuse, exploitation, health issues, mental health issues and suicide are not the best outcomes. We can and must do better. Please vote YES on HB890 & HB766, and lets build better intervention for family crisis that decreases the harm and increases the success of family transition. This is not a partisan issue. This is an American issue that is effecting children. We must find ways to de-weaponize and de-incentivize our system to anything beyond securing family and ensuring the long term health of children. Education those working with families in crisis to stabilize and find the most optimal environment is vital. "YOUR HELP is needed to achieve a “YES” vote from the House Courts Justice committee to pass HB890 and HB766. HB890- dictates that judges must ensure a shared parenting model- providing both parents optimal parenting opportunities with their children. HB766 - specifies that judges must order a thorough evaluation of child abuse and domestic violence concerns by a skilled evaluator, which does not have to be a forensic evaluation. It also dictates that judges of the JDR, Circuit and appellate courts must receive trauma focused training in areas of child abuse, domestic violence as noted: “ i) child sexual abuse, (ii) physical and emotional abuse of a family or household member, (iii) implicit and explicit bias, (iv) coercive control, (v) the impacts of domestic violence on children, and (vi) victim and perpetrator behaviors to magistrates and judges of the juvenile domestic relations district courts” It is the position of the Center For the Rights & Protection Of Children that evidence clearly shows that children benefit from a loving and safe mother and father- both parents in their lives. As long as abuse and neglect are not factors of concern, each parent influences the well-being and safety of their children in different but valuable ways. Restricting a child from a loving and safe mother or father may lead to consequences affecting their health, education, personality, and future success." Center For the Rights & Protection Of Children

I urge the Subcommittee members to vote YES to HB 766 as amended and NO to HB 890. Children's best interests should always be kept the primary focus in custody matters. The courts need to be trained more on family violence and coercive control. Those involved in custody matters should be true experts in domestic violence and understand its complex dynamic and very harmful effects to children and families in Virginia. Domestic violence and coercive control takes many forms and are often insidious. There have been too many children and families severely impacted. Parents' rights cannot be increased at the cost of their children's health and safety.

I urge you to please vote "YES" in favor of HB 766, as amended. This bill is the result of being included in the 2022 reauthorized Violence Against Women Act and places a child's health and safety as the priority in family court adjudication. There are federal funds tied to each state that enacts this bill. California and Colorado have already passed similar bills and many other states are working on passing such legislation because we have a crisis on our hands throughout the United States where evidence of psychological, verbal, physical, and sexual abuse against a child by a parent is being completely ignored and children are being ordered into the hands of their abusive parent despite the many pleas not to from their protective parent. I am the product of a childhood filled with domestic violence. My father eventually included me in his daily attacks on my mother and perpetrated coercive control and psychological and verbal abuse on me. I spent my childhood trying to keep my father happy and staying in a state of fight, flight, or freeze - a trauma response that affects one's mental and physical health for life if it happens too often. When I learned I was pregnant with my child, her father threatened to shoot me in the head because I refused to abort her. and to retain the best attorneys since he was wealthy and I was not. He told me I would not make him out to look like a "deadbeat dad" and he would have our child taken from me. Because of being conditioned to such abuse, I accepted his apology and continued on with the relationship until my child was two years old. I did try to leave many times but he would again threaten with retaining attorneys and taking our child from me. Every domestic violence resource stated that what he was doing was wrong and that I needed to leave for both my child and me. My mental health counselor helped me find a way out. I have always been one to tell the truth, but little did I know, that once I left my child's father there would not be any protections for either my child or me through family court. I shared my entire story in truth to our GAL and was immediately seen as a liar and told that his treatment of me would not affect my child. His own mother, a mental health counselor, told me that he would one day start abusing her too. He has. Not only does he constantly belittle and demean her, but he also uses her as a pawn to try to gain control over and to hurt me. Just recently, he hit our child for not focusing on cleaning her room - if he had given her the medication she takes for ADHD and her lack of ability to focus, she would have been focused. My child has been in therapy for several years now because of her father. She suffers from acid reflux and anxiety due to the ongoing chaos he has created within her life - these symptoms subside when he is gone for months on end for work. I do not want my child to continue to have to live this way as I, solely, can and do provide her with a loving, safe, peaceful, structured, and happy home. If we want our communities to become better places, we need to protect our most vulnerable population who are not able to protect themselves - our children. HB 766 will provide the proper training to those in charge of making decisions that will decide the fate of our children's lives.

Comments Document

For over a decade an unlicensed psychological intern testified in hundreds of cases in Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun and Prince William. She testified in criminal cases and took children from parents. The VDHP Board of Psychology had her sign a consent order admitting to every accusation brought by parents against her. Unfortunately, only a few parents were even aware. The Board could only deny her a license. Since she never had one they had nothing to take away. With no statutory authority they could not publish her name nor could they refer her to law enforcement. State Police fraud investigators had no cooperation from locally elected Commonwealths attorneys. Several elected prosecutors had used this same false expert, Jennifer Shaw of the Gil Clinic, in their own prosecutions. Hundreds of families have been harmed. Children have been taken from parents without any criminal accusations or police investigations. No judge should have power to arbitrarily deny a parent's rights without evidence based on known perjury and fraud. Even after her hearings before the Board, Jennifer Shaw, of the Gill Clinic in Fairfax continued testifying as an expert in court. The VDHP Boards should have authority to give notice to judges and courts in circumstances where they uncover egregious fraud. No one can explain how this blatant crime took place in multiple courts for over a decade. Many lawyers are and were aware of her fraudulent practice. They knowingly purchased her testimony on behalf of their clients thus conspiring to commit fraud and suborning perjury. Attorneys who relied on her testimony were either incompetent or colluding. Several Judges even allowed Shaw to testify from the Gallery thus avoiding qualifying as an expert. Counsel in my case, Douglas Bywater, specifically instructed Shaw not to provide records. Even after Shaw’s lack of a license was acknowledged by the court, she was not held in contempt nor prosecuted for over 15 years of unlicensed practice. In my case the Judge, Fiore, ordered the GAL that he had personally appointed, Molly Newton not to inquire about Shaw’s lack of license. Each time Dr. Shaw saw a client, without supervision, she is violating Virginia law. Every time Shaw appeared in court she was committing perjury. My own counsel, Blankingship and Kieth, refused to report her to the VDHP and dropped me as a client when I filed that report myself. The Commonwealth of Virginia should embrace justice and due process rather than woefully remain a an ignorant backwater, where crimes against parents are perpetrated in the very courts where they seek redress.

Please vote ‘YES’ to HB766. The system, as it is now, in Virginia is entirely flawed and beyond broken. In 2019 I worked up the courage to seek protection for myself and my child in Prince William County. This was done at the behest of my psychologist who is former military and former state law enforcement. He explained to me all of the VA Codes that were being broken in the abuse of myself and my child by my former spouse and my child’s father. My psychologist assured me that the police and courts would help us and grant us protection. I even took a statement by him to court with me. The court did not accept this statement or other evidence. We were denied protection. . A female Sheriff’s Deputy and an advocate told me to cross the border into Maryland for assistance since Maryland offers protection on a state-wide basis. The night that we were denied, after I crossed into Maryland, we received help. We were later punished by the court for seeking help. In 2020 my child informed me that [my child’s] father had been sexually abusing [him/her]. We sought protection. While the GAL (Guardian ad Litem) that had been forced on us by the court sat a row behind me (not defending my child), my child was forced to act as his own attorney; represent himself/herself; and be cross-examined by his/her father’s attorney at ten years old, while also having autism. My understanding is that none of this was legal. This judge, the same judge that denied us protection in 2019, denied my child protection in 2020. The judge stated, ‘Mom it was your job to hire an attorney, and since you did not hire an attorney, evidence cannot be properly entered, therefore I cannot grant protection.’ I have since learned this is bogus and multiple things that happened in this situation were illegal. I did not have the money to hire an attorney. And, the GAL was his court-forced attorney. She refused to represent him. As it turns out, and we would later learn, that the ‘expert’ the GAL forced upon us that day was one of her best friends. They shared an office space in an old house in Old Town Manassas. They had worked many cases before. And, this ‘expert’ was no expert at all. There have been at least four families (including myself) that have had cases against her at VDHP (Virginia Department of Health Professions). During one conference hearing she would not prove that she graduated her doctoral program when asked by the Board of Psychology to. Show her degree on screen. In my VDHP hearing against her, after giving false testimony against me to have my child taken from me, she admitted that my child told her during the first or second appointment that [child] had been sexually abused by father. The Board asked her why she did not report. To my recollection she had no answer. I did record this proceeding as it is open to the public and media. Her name is Jennifer Shaw. At the time that I learned that Jennifer Shaw and the GAL were ‘best buds’ I also learned that she, Shaw, was the next door neighbor to the judge and they had a social relationship. I learned this directly from the judge on the bench. This is the same judge that denied protection. They all refused to recuse themselves. I have had zero contact with my child in 3.5 years due to these individuals. PLEASE VOTE YES! Ashley

Our children in America are being attacked and abused and no one is doing anything! As parents, we must protect, care, provide, love, teach, and influence our children to be good citizens. What kind of children are we raising? As a mother, I am accountable for the impact I have on my child. As a former Preschool Sunday school teacher, I know how important it is to provide a safe, caring and loving environment for children. I support this bill because children are helpless, they need to be listened to, believed and protected from abusive parents and judges and professionals need training specifically in this type of situations. In my case, the professionals didn't think about the best interest of our child and only looked at evidence of one parent. They didn't investigate thoroughly and saw this as another case of a "high conflict divorce and custody". Multiple studies have found that childhood abuse can negatively impact adult self-esteem, as well as it can increase mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among others. Children have rights, too and we need to protect them. If we do, they will grow emotionally and mentally stable.

Please vote yes for this bill. Judges must order a thorough evaluation of any concerns of child abuse and domestic violence to be performed by a skilled evaluator. This does not have to be a Forensic Evaluation. Judges in juvenile, circuit and appellate courts need expert training to make qualified decisions. This is a totally different set of skills from the regular judicial law decisions. They also need immediate training so they are able to better serve the innocent children that they make recommendations for in their courtroom. . So much damage is being done to our precious children. Judges need to be educated on 1.child abuse. 2. physical and emotional abuse of family members 3. the horrible effects of domestic abuse on our young generation . Many studies have been done that demonstrate how the wrong decisions effect the health, education, personality and success of our next generation. We have not seen our lovely granddaughter for 18 months because of a ruling by a judge where there was not any evidence of abuse of this child. My granddaughter has had her precious childhood taken away from her. Where is the best interest of the child? We need education to help prevent this destruction of our young generation's lives. Please vote yes on this bill.

My name is Ekaterina Antipova (4th grade teacher at one of the private schools) residing in Fairfax County, VA deeply concerned about how children in the US are impacted by the issues related to domestic violence, custody, alienation. We need to pass this bill. This bill is informing the judges of the mental health crisis that is taking place and impacting our children. I know many cases where children from divorced parents started taking drugs because children could not be with loving and caring parents. We do not need barriers that prevent children from seeing loving parents. We need to have a healthy society and children should not suffer. I am a member of the Center for the Rights and Protection of children. Other parents are also like minded parents who understand that children should be able to see their family members Let me know how I can support delegates like you who deeply care about the future of the country, communities and children. HB766 - specifies that judges must order a thorough evaluation of child abuse and domestic violence concerns by a skilled evaluator, which does not have to be a forensic evaluation. It also dictates that judges of the JDR, Circuit and appellate courts must receive trauma focused training in areas of child abuse, domestic violence as noted: “ i) child sexual abuse, (ii) physical and emotional abuse of a family or household member, (iii) implicit and explicit bias, (iv) coercive control, (v) the impacts of domestic violence on children, and (vi) victim and perpetrator behaviors to magistrates and judges of the juvenile domestic relations district courts” HB890- dictates that judges must ensure a shared parenting model- providing both parents optimal parenting opportunities with their children. HB766 - specifies that judges must order a thorough evaluation of child abuse and domestic violence concerns by a skilled evaluator, which does not have to be a forensic evaluation. It also dictates that judges of the JDR, Circuit and appellate courts must receive trauma focused training in areas of child abuse, domestic violence as noted: “ i) child sexual abuse, (ii) physical and emotional abuse of a family or household member, (iii) implicit and explicit bias, (iv) coercive control, (v) the impacts of domestic violence on children, and (vi) victim and perpetrator behaviors to magistrates and judges of the juvenile domestic relations district courts”

Comments Document

Hi. Similar bills should be heard jointly. I'm a co-founder of the NVa. Parents United. I seek to provide further details in person. VA should be 50/50 legal and physical custody and enjoined with BOTH parents >1 hour of the children. Code 20.124.2 & .3; any exception, eg Domestic Abuse must have verificable physical proof to aoid falsehoods for custody and other ulterior motives. Regarding GALs &others https://casetext.com/case/bonhotel-v-watts & 2017 cases over turned with abuse of authority https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Ad3aeccf8-0d9a-34fd-9f6e-dd9d781ea976 14th amendment and assurance of 42 U.S.C. Section 1303 (f) and 42 U.S.C. 106(b)(2)(B)(xviii) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) Visitations BOYD, JR. V. COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, Va. App. affirmation No. 1681191 (2020). 27 cases overturned https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15379418.2019.1613204 See also this link https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/cib.pdf on the Court Structure (graphic) that it excludes the fact that the Virginia Bar is an entity of the Virginia Supreme Court - near the bottom - "Uniform Rules and Practices -- Uniformity of practice is regarded as a vital element for the development of a sound judicial system." Uniformity is seriously lacking today in our courts of abitrary, capracious, and subjective bought opinions. In mercy and plea for children and families, please see attached three (3) suggestive 2024 bills via the Center for Rights and Protection of Children (CRPC) that naturally would require your dedication in effort of bi-partisan support and sponsorship in assurance of children's rights and their protection, especially with more and more children being taken across state lines and destroying families per Va. Code § 20.124.3 Best interests of a Child and its interference of such enforcement of the courts orders, constitution, statute and case laws such as Keel vs. Keel, Va. SupCt. (1983) (not upheld by VA SupCt Justice), Va. Code § 20-146.1 Chapter 7.1. Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act and Va. Code §18.2-49.1 per Robert Boyd, Jr. v. Commonwealth of VA, Va. Ct.App. (2020) and others to protect children's rights and equally for all parties. NVa. Parents United, >90 parents growing and we have had meetings over the past years with several parents who experience the similar issues, parents with in the JDR, circuit court, appeal proceedings are often denied fundamental due process and witness to violations like that of 18 U.S.C. Section 242, resulting in the violation of their constitutional rights. This dire situation is causing irreparable harm to countless children, who deserve to grow up in safe and nurturing environments with both parents. URGENT need for action cannot be overstated, as every delay prolongs the suffering of innocent children. This includes parents being punished for seeking protection of their children as required reporting under 42 U.S.C. Section 1303(f) and 42 U.S.C. 106(b)(2)(B)(xviii) (CAPTA). Please see the middle section https://www.linkedin.com/posts/trward_antitrafficking-children-childrensrights-activity-7152379678731751425-AWmG Random acts of kindness https://lnkd.in/d-DDffTa & https://lnkd.in/gYWJbrsC https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:7153416274314760192?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A%28ugcPost%3A7153416274314760192%2C7155405374173433856%29 Thank you

My name is Christy Newberg. I have been a victim of domestic violence for 10 years and I will never again be the person I was before I was abused. I have had to learn a new way to think, a new way to respond, and learn how to love myself again. Most importantly, I had to forgive myself for being too afraid to protect myself. The effects of domestic violence are lifelong, and affect more than just the victim. I am in favor of this bill because I do not believe justice will prevail when there is an expiration date on abuse. In the words of Martin Luther King “An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

I SUPPORT HB 174. Marriage equality is long overdue. I SUPPORT HB 640. It's the least we can do to provide restitution to someone who was wrongfully incarcerated. I SUPPORT HB 766. Sexual abuse should absolutely be taken into account when adjudicating for a child's best interest and no child should be under the custody of someone who abused them. I SUPPORT HB 81. It's disgraceful that someone who suffered enough to attempt or die or suicide would ever be treated like a criminal, and this kind of stigma is a barrier to getting help that would prevent suicide. I OPPOSE HB394. It was a joyous occasion in 2021 when Virginia abolished the death penalty, and we should never go back to the days that we still had that.

I really hope these to bills are past, we defaintly need judges to be train on the sverity and harm on children if the evidence is not taken serious in many case.We need a full investigation on how abuse is handled over all. In many of our cases the judge penalized or punished us for bring up claims of abuse on our kids. My evidence was true and I, school officals and psychologist were deeply concern with the change in my son behavior, health and education. I had solid proof that son being under dads care was a real concern and not at all in best interest of child. I feel these bills speaks , finally our concerns for years . No judge should be allowed to gear away from the facts, give a opinion this creates bias, dismissing all evience by the parent reporting the abuse, only excepting evidence from one parent and not other creating double standards . Evidence should be heard equally from both parents when it comes to children well being and determining what is best for children. How is it possible a judge can say i do not believe this parent ever violates the order,or i do not want to hear about abuse claim in my court room or get out. This should never happen, judges should be impartical and stick to the laws and facts when i had solid proof and evidence that my son was being abused and have a order in place give every little time supervised which was given to me as punishment for reporting abuse when i have no record or history of ever being abusive or harmful to my child and also proof have not seen my son in 4 years, because judge believes ex follows order so she dismissed my motion, blocked me from returning again. My order says alot to the harm this judge has done to my son and I. If we have judges not obeying or being force to stick or follow these laws in place, that is where the problem is. These laws will happen and i pray they get voted in for the betterment of children. Also shared parenting max time with both parents is crucial in child over all development speaking as a teacher. No judge should be ruling for sole custody only on very extreme cases with proof from professional intervention this is needed. a child has the right to love and be with both parents equally

Comments Document

Dear VA Courts of Justice (House & Senate): All related matters should be heard jointly, not different times/sessions. It’s 21st century and imperative to comprehensively revamp this code. Its current language sets for arbitrary, capricious, and subjective ways. It’s necessity to meticulously examine the incentives at play. Marriage involves two, while divorce requires only one. Childrens’ Constitutional rights are violated by this and similar statutes, conflicting with Amendments 1, 5, and 14th. Despite good intentions, the legal process often falls short of the desired codes. Simply, best interest of a child is a 50/50 arrangement with both parents. While protections maybe warranted, it is crucial to emphasize that the US Code takes precedence over state codes. Essential to combatting false accusations and the misuse of legal processes. Implementing measures that deter and penalize false allegations, including false police reporting and perjury, is necessary to uphold constitutional rights and statutory provisions, with time loss and time given. Northern Virginia Parents United, >90 parents facing similar issues in family (JDR), circuit, Appeals, and Supreme Court proceedings, witness fundamental due process denials and violations akin to 18 U.S.C. Section 242. Such infringements lead to constitutional rights violations and the non-upholding of US and Virginia Codes. This situation is causing irreparable harm to children, necessitating urgent action to prevent prolonged suffering. Parents seeking protection for their children, per 42 U.S.C. Section 1303(f) and 42 U.S.C. 106(b)(2)(B)(xviii) (CAPTA), often face punishment. Courts neglect their own rules, like Va. Supreme Court Rule 5:13, failing to enforce orders, lack a preponderance of evidence, zealous prosecutions, involving FOIA'ed emails from police, Commonwealth, and the Defendant, violation of 18 U.S.C. §242, facilitating children across state lines, as per Code §18.2-49.1. The Center for Rights and Protection of Children proposes bills in bipartisan support address violating Va. Code §20.124.2 & .3 "Best interests of a Child" and (non)enforcement of court orders and codes, Va. Code §20-146.1 Chapter 7.1. UCCJEA, and Va. Code §18.2-49.1 per BOYD, JR. V. COMMONWEALTH OF VA, Va. Ct.App. (2020). The plea is to apply codes consistently, protecting children's rights and ensuring equality for all parties as the initial basis for custody. Watch & read: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BudeCZ8d7_A https://erasingfamily.org/ & "Erasing Families" from children's perspective https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLCsbtS9dUA&feature=youtu.be https://parentingopinions.com/why-children-need-both-parents/#:~:text=Research%20has%20shown%20that%20children%20raised%20in%20two-parent,the%20benefits%20they%20bring%20to%20a%20child%E2%80%99s%20development GALs: https://casetext.com/case/bonhotel-v-watts https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Ad3aeccf8-0d9a-34fd-9f6e-dd9d781ea976. Please review cases like Va Supreme Ct #240049 (VAC0883-23-4) & #230358 (VAC1336-22-4) that exemplify instances where and how legal process appears to deviate from the Constitution, codes, rules, and case law such as KEEL VS. KEEL, VA SupCt (1984); as Protection Orders are given away like candy lacking a standard of preponderance of evidence (physical in particular), many with ulterior motive per COMMONWEALTH OF Va V. AMOS, Va. SCt. (2014) & U.S. V. MORGAN, (1954). Thank YOU, NVPU

As a mother that faced horrible abuse from domestic violence that included the abuse of my children, I needed options here in Virginia. There was no early intervention and we could not find safety and help. Since that time, I now understand how concerning the numbers are with state intervention and what happens to families in court. We are called by our oaths to hold up the protections of both the United States and Virginia Constitutions to protect the God given rights of citizens. Anyone that looks at the numbers of abuse, exploitation and harm done to children can not deny there are better ways to support families in crisis and ensure safety. The situation is complex. Yet there are ways to stop the harm and abuses of agencies, lawyers and judges. There are ways to build a better system that protect children and transition families safely through crisis. We can ensure best laws are in place to allow this to happen. I am asking for a YES on HB890 & HB766. This is a start and part of improving what is being done. We need 50/50 custody as a default, and we need highly train individuals that have the least amount of retraumatising and exploiting both parents and children. We must work to stabilize the longevity of family for the best interest of children. Covering up abuse, erasing parents and putting children in greater risk of long term addiction, abuse, exploitation, health issues, mental health issues and suicide are not the best outcomes. We can and must do better. Please vote YES on HB890 & HB766, and lets build better intervention for family crisis that decreases the harm and increases the success of family transition. This is not a partisan issue. This is an American issue that is effecting children. We must find ways to de-weaponize and de-incentivize our system to anything beyond securing family and ensuring the long term health of children. Education those working with families in crisis to stabilize and find the most optimal environment is vital. "YOUR HELP is needed to achieve a “YES” vote from the House Courts Justice committee to pass HB890 and HB766. HB890- dictates that judges must ensure a shared parenting model- providing both parents optimal parenting opportunities with their children. HB766 - specifies that judges must order a thorough evaluation of child abuse and domestic violence concerns by a skilled evaluator, which does not have to be a forensic evaluation. It also dictates that judges of the JDR, Circuit and appellate courts must receive trauma focused training in areas of child abuse, domestic violence as noted: “ i) child sexual abuse, (ii) physical and emotional abuse of a family or household member, (iii) implicit and explicit bias, (iv) coercive control, (v) the impacts of domestic violence on children, and (vi) victim and perpetrator behaviors to magistrates and judges of the juvenile domestic relations district courts” It is the position of the Center For the Rights & Protection Of Children that evidence clearly shows that children benefit from a loving and safe mother and father- both parents in their lives. As long as abuse and neglect are not factors of concern, each parent influences the well-being and safety of their children in different but valuable ways. Restricting a child from a loving and safe mother or father may lead to consequences affecting their health, education, personality, and future success." Center For the Rights & Protection Of Children

I urge the Subcommittee members to vote YES to HB 766 as amended and NO to HB 890. Children's best interests should always be kept the primary focus in custody matters. The courts need to be trained more on family violence and coercive control. Those involved in custody matters should be true experts in domestic violence and understand its complex dynamic and very harmful effects to children and families in Virginia. Domestic violence and coercive control takes many forms and are often insidious. There have been too many children and families severely impacted. Parents' rights cannot be increased at the cost of their children's health and safety.

Comments Document

For over a decade an unlicensed psychological intern testified in hundreds of cases in Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun and Prince William. She testified in criminal cases and took children from parents. The VDHP Board of Psychology had her sign a consent order admitting to every accusation brought by parents against her. Unfortunately, only a few parents were even aware. The Board could only deny her a license. Since she never had one they had nothing to take away. With no statutory authority they could not publish her name nor could they refer her to law enforcement. State Police fraud investigators had no cooperation from locally elected Commonwealths attorneys. Several elected prosecutors had used this same false expert, Jennifer Shaw of the Gil Clinic, in their own prosecutions. Hundreds of families have been harmed. Children have been taken from parents without any criminal accusations or police investigations. No judge should have power to arbitrarily deny a parent's rights without evidence based on known perjury and fraud. Even after her hearings before the Board, Jennifer Shaw, of the Gill Clinic in Fairfax continued testifying as an expert in court. The VDHP Boards should have authority to give notice to judges and courts in circumstances where they uncover egregious fraud. No one can explain how this blatant crime took place in multiple courts for over a decade. Many lawyers are and were aware of her fraudulent practice. They knowingly purchased her testimony on behalf of their clients thus conspiring to commit fraud and suborning perjury. Attorneys who relied on her testimony were either incompetent or colluding. Several Judges even allowed Shaw to testify from the Gallery thus avoiding qualifying as an expert. Counsel in my case, Douglas Bywater, specifically instructed Shaw not to provide records. Even after Shaw’s lack of a license was acknowledged by the court, she was not held in contempt nor prosecuted for over 15 years of unlicensed practice. In my case the Judge, Fiore, ordered the GAL that he had personally appointed, Molly Newton not to inquire about Shaw’s lack of license. Each time Dr. Shaw saw a client, without supervision, she is violating Virginia law. Every time Shaw appeared in court she was committing perjury. My own counsel, Blankingship and Kieth, refused to report her to the VDHP and dropped me as a client when I filed that report myself. The Commonwealth of Virginia should embrace justice and due process rather than woefully remain a an ignorant backwater, where crimes against parents are perpetrated in the very courts where they seek redress.

I am writing in favor of this bill. Please vote yes. We need shared parenting in the best interest of the child. My granddaughter has been traumatized by the court system. Our maternal side has been completely removed from this poor child's life. This includes her wonderful mom, brother, grandparents, cousins , aunt and uncle. There was never any evidence of abuse. The judge decided to award the ex-husband sole custody with his family consisting of himself, an estranged sister and grandparents that live out of state. Judge completely ignored the experts in the case CPS and a psychotherapist that all said the mother should not be taken out of her life. Where is the best interest of the child?There are so many studies that show clear evidence that children benefit from a loving mother and father- both parents in their lives. This child has gone from a vivacious loving child to a fearful lost child that needs immediate resolve of this horrible situation. Please vote yes.

My name is Ekaterina Antipova (4th grade teacher at one of the private schools) residing in Fairfax County, VA deeply concerned about how children in the US are impacted by the issues related to domestic violence, custody, alienation. We need to pass this bill. This bill is informing the judges of the mental health crisis that is taking place and impacting our children. I know many cases where children from divorced parents started taking drugs because children could not be with loving and caring parents. We do not need barriers that prevent children from seeing loving parents. We need to have a healthy society and children should not suffer. I am a member of the Center for the Rights and Protection of children. Other parents are also like minded parents who understand that children should be able to see their family members Let me know how I can support delegates like you who deeply care about the future of the country, communities and children. HB766 - specifies that judges must order a thorough evaluation of child abuse and domestic violence concerns by a skilled evaluator, which does not have to be a forensic evaluation. It also dictates that judges of the JDR, Circuit and appellate courts must receive trauma focused training in areas of child abuse, domestic violence as noted: “ i) child sexual abuse, (ii) physical and emotional abuse of a family or household member, (iii) implicit and explicit bias, (iv) coercive control, (v) the impacts of domestic violence on children, and (vi) victim and perpetrator behaviors to magistrates and judges of the juvenile domestic relations district courts” HB890- dictates that judges must ensure a shared parenting model- providing both parents optimal parenting opportunities with their children. HB766 - specifies that judges must order a thorough evaluation of child abuse and domestic violence concerns by a skilled evaluator, which does not have to be a forensic evaluation. It also dictates that judges of the JDR, Circuit and appellate courts must receive trauma focused training in areas of child abuse, domestic violence as noted: “ i) child sexual abuse, (ii) physical and emotional abuse of a family or household member, (iii) implicit and explicit bias, (iv) coercive control, (v) the impacts of domestic violence on children, and (vi) victim and perpetrator behaviors to magistrates and judges of the juvenile domestic relations district courts”

Comments Document

Hi. Similar bills should be heard jointly. I'm a co-founder of the NVa. Parents United. I seek to provide further details in person. VA should be 50/50 legal and physical custody and enjoined with BOTH parents >1 hour of the children. Code 20.124.2 & .3; any exception, eg Domestic Abuse must have verificable physical proof to aoid falsehoods for custody and other ulterior motives. Regarding GALs &others https://casetext.com/case/bonhotel-v-watts & 2017 cases over turned with abuse of authority https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Ad3aeccf8-0d9a-34fd-9f6e-dd9d781ea976 14th amendment and assurance of 42 U.S.C. Section 1303 (f) and 42 U.S.C. 106(b)(2)(B)(xviii) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) Visitations BOYD, JR. V. COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, Va. App. affirmation No. 1681191 (2020). 27 cases overturned https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15379418.2019.1613204 See also this link https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/cib.pdf on the Court Structure (graphic) that it excludes the fact that the Virginia Bar is an entity of the Virginia Supreme Court - near the bottom - "Uniform Rules and Practices -- Uniformity of practice is regarded as a vital element for the development of a sound judicial system." Uniformity is seriously lacking today in our courts of abitrary, capracious, and subjective bought opinions. In mercy and plea for children and families, please see attached three (3) suggestive 2024 bills via the Center for Rights and Protection of Children (CRPC) that naturally would require your dedication in effort of bi-partisan support and sponsorship in assurance of children's rights and their protection, especially with more and more children being taken across state lines and destroying families per Va. Code § 20.124.3 Best interests of a Child and its interference of such enforcement of the courts orders, constitution, statute and case laws such as Keel vs. Keel, Va. SupCt. (1983) (not upheld by VA SupCt Justice), Va. Code § 20-146.1 Chapter 7.1. Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act and Va. Code §18.2-49.1 per Robert Boyd, Jr. v. Commonwealth of VA, Va. Ct.App. (2020) and others to protect children's rights and equally for all parties. NVa. Parents United, >90 parents growing and we have had meetings over the past years with several parents who experience the similar issues, parents with in the JDR, circuit court, appeal proceedings are often denied fundamental due process and witness to violations like that of 18 U.S.C. Section 242, resulting in the violation of their constitutional rights. This dire situation is causing irreparable harm to countless children, who deserve to grow up in safe and nurturing environments with both parents. URGENT need for action cannot be overstated, as every delay prolongs the suffering of innocent children. This includes parents being punished for seeking protection of their children as required reporting under 42 U.S.C. Section 1303(f) and 42 U.S.C. 106(b)(2)(B)(xviii) (CAPTA). Please see the middle section https://www.linkedin.com/posts/trward_antitrafficking-children-childrensrights-activity-7152379678731751425-AWmG Random acts of kindness https://lnkd.in/d-DDffTa & https://lnkd.in/gYWJbrsC https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:7153416274314760192?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A%28ugcPost%3A7153416274314760192%2C7155405374173433856%29 Thank you

Del Earley's bill seems to merely make a cosmetic change from 'visitation' time to 'parenting' time. The Del. is unaware, apparently, how often judges abuse their discretion in both the legal and obvious practical sense. Judge Lisa Kemler in the Alexandria court is one such example. She routinely takes away parental rights and abuses va code 20-124.3 by allowing court officers, with whom she is overly cozy, to simply declare the non-preferred litigant as "abusive" for it to be done. We need a new definition of abuse, and less judge control in family court law matters. JDR court is a hot mess, and badly needs reform.

Please vote "NO" to HB 890. The stress that my son must endure from going back and forth every other week is not in his best interest. He now has less friends and more anxiety from juggling two homes. My son loves both of his parents but feels lonely having to go back and forth so much. It is hard to maintain friendships and juggle two separate lives. The schedule has also created a financial hardship and an unbalanced financial weight on the parent who spends more on the child. There is nothing in place that makes both parents split reasonable cost so I spend more on my son’s necessities. I pay for clothes, shoes, haircuts, tutors, most of the car insurance, all of the health insurance. The shared custody has created more chaos than peace in our lives.

Please vote "NO" to HB 890. The stress that my son must endure from going back and forth every other week is not in his best interest. He now has less friends and more anxiety from juggling two homes. My son loves both of his parents but feels lonely having to go back and forth so much. It is hard to maintain friendships and juggle two separate lives. The schedule has also created a financial hardship and an unbalanced financial weight on the parent who spends more on the child. There is nothing in place that makes both parents split reasonable cost so I spend more on my son’s necessities. I pay for clothes, shoes, haircuts, tutors, most of the car insurance, all of the health insurance. The shared custody has created more chaos than peace in our lives.

Hello, My name is Jessica Powell. I am a mother of 4, I have lived in the wonderful state of Virginia my whole life. I am a former Private School Principal who now stays home full time caring for my children and I am also an advocate for the Safe Parents Coalition. I have to make my concerns for this proposed bill known. Please read a very shortened version of my story and concerns below. I am open to conversations, live testimony or any clarification that is needed. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read them. I appreciate the difficult task you all have to decide such life altering policies, but I beg you to truly think about the families that this would impact so negatively.   As someone who has had to navigate the family law courts for the last 6+ years reading this bill brings literal tears to my eyes. What a step back this would be for and already broken system. My children’s other parent has an extensive criminal background that includes assaults, drug and alcohol related charges and 2 convictions of DUI. He was also charged and convicted with domestic violence against myself for beating me and dragging me around our house in front of our then 3 year old children. Because of Virginia’s first offender treatment program my abuser has no record of an official conviction of domestic abuse. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only incident. Like many victims of abuse, I hid a lot. I would stay home until the bloody lips and bruises healed or cover them with long sleeves and pants. I finally left for good, but the abuse continues through the children and through the court system. They beg not to go, they cry, they come home with injuries, bruises, terrible stories, and fear. Their spirit is broken. No one listens to us. No one has protected us. I sometimes find myself regretting leaving because now I cannot protect my children when they are court ordered to go to their other parents house. It is already extremely difficult for safe parents to fight for their children’s rights. The focus needs to remain on the children’s best interest. Not the parents. The courts already have the power to grant maximum custody time to each parent based on best interest of the child factors. There is already a lack of protection for children. Laws are already outdated for abuse. This bill makes if even more difficult for safe parents and their children to be protected. Look at the research. Putting a limit on time abuse can be considered? Only considering what falls under the outdated legal definition of abuse? This would be detrimental to the child who is screaming they don’t want to go to the other parent because they aren’t safe. It mutes their already muffled voices in this incredibly broken system. Most of the families in the court system have a background of high conflict and complex issues that requires knowledge of such. Most of the families that would benefit from a bill like this settle before getting to court. HB890 puts a one size fits all approach to a topic that is FAR from a one size fits all. Again, the court already has the power to grant the maximum custody they see fit for both parents. This bill would cause an incredible amount of burden and harm to the already struggling families that are trying to navigate through the family court system to prove the best interest of the child. For the families and especially the rights of children, please vote NO for HB890.

Please vote "NO" to HB 890. I have experienced this exact scenario as my child's father works out of state for 1-4 months a year. I experienced psychological and verbal abuse from my own father in my childhood and my child's father created the same atmosphere for my daughter and myself in his home. Despite my pleas for help in preventing physical, psychological, and verbal abuse to my child by her father that would affect her for the rest of her life, our first GAL stated that my child should be with him the majority of the time since I had to work a normal 40-hour work week and he had nothing to do during the week for the majority of the year. This poor decision on her behalf caused my child mental health trauma that she has been in counseling for in order to try to repair the damage that was done. This decision has been financially costly due to having to retain another attorney to try to reverse everything to the best of her ability and due to the ongoing play therapy sessions. After interviews and testing, a psychologist came to the conclusion that my child's father would pose a risk to my child's health due to his lack of care in ensuring her health and safety. HB 890 has failed every time it has been introduced. The Virginia Bar Association's Family Law Coalition, Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, and Virginia Poverty Law Center have opposed it every year. Until the Commonwealth of Virginia passes laws that define domestic and family abuse to include psychological abuse, coercive control, and financial abuse, such a bill should absolutely not be passed. Yes, children should be with both parents as much as possible, when both parents are mentally healthy. But healthy parents who are capable of being reasonable and civil do not end up in litigation - they make decisions in the best interest of their child(ren) without having to step foot in a courtroom. The majority of former spouses or partners do not end up in family court. A child's right to a healthy and stable home should always be the priority in family court adjudication, not a parent's right to the child.

I would like to see legislators stop showing favoritism to a company who only takes fish for profit and is destroying the Chesapeake Bay. We all have a vested interest in the welfare of our local waters. We need to protect the fish that help clean up the bay and are used for food for many other fish in our bay. Please protect our Menhaden fish from over fishing and used as fertilizer or for vitamins. We have many other ways to produce these two products, without destroying a fish population.

Comments Document

Enclosed is a letter of support from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for HB 1104. For more information on Bentley's Law (HB 1104), please visit: https://madd.org/press-release/statement-on-bentleys-law-requiring-child-support-to-surviving-children-of-parents-killed-by-a-drunk-driver/

I was asked to make this attachment to show support for the cordoza bill and so i did. There are no other intended intentions are associated with this unless it's necessary for welfare of all.

I support this bill.

I support this bill as I have myself been involved with CPS and the removal of my kids

I support this bill going into place, it would really help the people.

Comments Document

Hi. Similar bills should be heard jointly. I'm a co-founder of the NVa. Parents United. I seek to provide further details in person. VA should be 50/50 legal and physical custody and enjoined with BOTH parents >1 hour of the children. Code 20.124.2 & .3; any exception, eg Domestic Abuse must have verificable physical proof to aoid falsehoods for custody and other ulterior motives. Regarding GALs &others https://casetext.com/case/bonhotel-v-watts & 2017 cases over turned with abuse of authority https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Ad3aeccf8-0d9a-34fd-9f6e-dd9d781ea976 14th amendment and assurance of 42 U.S.C. Section 1303 (f) and 42 U.S.C. 106(b)(2)(B)(xviii) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) Visitations BOYD, JR. V. COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, Va. App. affirmation No. 1681191 (2020). 27 cases overturned https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15379418.2019.1613204 See also this link https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/cib.pdf on the Court Structure (graphic) that it excludes the fact that the Virginia Bar is an entity of the Virginia Supreme Court - near the bottom - "Uniform Rules and Practices -- Uniformity of practice is regarded as a vital element for the development of a sound judicial system." Uniformity is seriously lacking today in our courts of abitrary, capracious, and subjective bought opinions. In mercy and plea for children and families, please see attached three (3) suggestive 2024 bills via the Center for Rights and Protection of Children (CRPC) that naturally would require your dedication in effort of bi-partisan support and sponsorship in assurance of children's rights and their protection, especially with more and more children being taken across state lines and destroying families per Va. Code § 20.124.3 Best interests of a Child and its interference of such enforcement of the courts orders, constitution, statute and case laws such as Keel vs. Keel, Va. SupCt. (1983) (not upheld by VA SupCt Justice), Va. Code § 20-146.1 Chapter 7.1. Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act and Va. Code §18.2-49.1 per Robert Boyd, Jr. v. Commonwealth of VA, Va. Ct.App. (2020) and others to protect children's rights and equally for all parties. NVa. Parents United, >90 parents growing and we have had meetings over the past years with several parents who experience the similar issues, parents with in the JDR, circuit court, appeal proceedings are often denied fundamental due process and witness to violations like that of 18 U.S.C. Section 242, resulting in the violation of their constitutional rights. This dire situation is causing irreparable harm to countless children, who deserve to grow up in safe and nurturing environments with both parents. URGENT need for action cannot be overstated, as every delay prolongs the suffering of innocent children. This includes parents being punished for seeking protection of their children as required reporting under 42 U.S.C. Section 1303(f) and 42 U.S.C. 106(b)(2)(B)(xviii) (CAPTA). Please see the middle section https://www.linkedin.com/posts/trward_antitrafficking-children-childrensrights-activity-7152379678731751425-AWmG Random acts of kindness https://lnkd.in/d-DDffTa & https://lnkd.in/gYWJbrsC https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:7153416274314760192?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A%28ugcPost%3A7153416274314760192%2C7155405374173433856%29 Thank you

This bill is very important to pass to help protect the rights of Due Process to families across Virginia. Currently children are removed by an ex parte hearing that parents are not able to attend. A lawyer is presented at this time and then a hearing is held 5 days later leaving no proper defense for families. We need counsel before children are removed, helping families navigate the system and protecting their families bonds and rights.