Pennsylvania § 1908 - Child abuse and domestic abuse education and training program for judges and court personnel.

§ 1908. Child abuse and domestic abuse education and training program for judges and court personnel.

(a) Program.--The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts may develop and implement an ongoing education and training program for judges, magisterial district judges and relevant court personnel, including guardians ad litem, counsel for children, masters and mediators regarding child abuse. The education and training program shall include all aspects of the maltreatment of children, including all of the following:

(1) Sexual abuse.

(2) Physical abuse.

(3) Psychological and emotional abuse.

(4) Implicit and explicit bias.

(5) Trauma and neglect.

(6) The impact of child abuse and domestic violence on children.

(b) Best practices.--The education and training program under subsection (a) shall include the latest best practices from evidence-based, peer-reviewed research by recognized experts, including Statewide family violence experts, in the types of child abuse specified under subsection (a). The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts shall design the education and training program under subsection (a) to educate and train relevant court personnel on all of the factors listed under 23 Pa.C.S. § 5328(a) (relating to factors to consider when awarding custody) and improve the ability of courts to make appropriate custody decisions that are in the best interest of the child, including education and training regarding the impact of child abuse, domestic abuse and trauma on a victim, specifically a child, and situations when one party attempts to turn a child against another party.

(c) Federal grant funding.--The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts shall design the education and training program under subsection (a) to conform with the requirements for increased Federal grant funding under 34 U.S.C. § 10446(k) (relating to State grants).

(Apr. 15, 2024, P.L.24, No.8, eff. 120 days)

2024 Amendment. Act 8 added section 1908. See section 1 of Act 8 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to findings and declarations.