One of Pennsylvania’s newest laws is a measure put forward by a local lawmaker to protect some of the youngest and most defenseless victims of the ongoing opioid epidemic.
Senate Bill 844 has been signed into law and took effect on Friday (5/4). This bill, which was introduced by State Sen. Don White, now gives legal standing to third-party individuals to gain custody in cases where no biological or adoptive parent is able to care for the child.
The devastating toll locally and across the country of drug addiction means that care is more often falling to grandparents and others relatives who are trying to put the best interests of the child first, according to White. This law does not ensure where children will be placed but it will help this decision to be made fairly.
This law has been endorsed by organizations including the Center for Child Advocates and Pennsylvania Legal Services.
Written By: Ryan Saeler for the Butler Radio Network