Proposed Protections for Families in Domestic Violence Shelters

The Frame

What this does

The bill changes how the Department of Children and Families and courts evaluate child custody, ensuring that parents seeking safety in domestic violence shelters do not lose custody rights due to their temporary housing situation.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Parents and caregivers in domestic violence centers

Their legal standing in custody proceedings and home study assessments is protected from being negatively impacted by their temporary residence in a shelter.

Department of Children and Families

The agency must adjust its home study assessment criteria and child removal protocols to comply with the new prohibitions regarding domestic violence shelters.

What changed

Last recorded activity March 13, 2026.

What's next

Introduced.

Summary

This bill prevents the state from removing children from a parent or caregiver's custody solely because they are temporarily living in a certified domestic violence center. It ensures that residing in such a shelter cannot be used as a reason to deem a unfavorable or to endanger a child's placement status.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose custody of my child if I go to a domestic violence shelter?

Under this bill, the state cannot remove a child from your custody or deem your unfavorable solely because you are temporarily residing in a certified domestic violence center, provided you notify the department within 24 hours and the center confirms the safety of the placement.

What do I need to do if I move to a shelter to keep my custody status?

You must notify the Department of Children and Families within 24 hours of taking shelter, and the domestic violence center administration must provide an affidavit affirming that the placement remains appropriate and protective.

Why It Matters

The bill changes how the Department of Children and Families and courts evaluate child custody, ensuring that parents seeking safety in domestic violence shelters do not lose custody rights due to their temporary housing situation.

News Coverage

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Lobbying Activity

ELLEN FERN

on behalf of NATIONAL CENTER ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, TRAUMA AND MENTAL HEALTH

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Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift90% confidence

Integration of Domestic Violence Safety into Custody Law

The bill formalizes a procedural bridge between domestic violence shelter residency and child welfare custody determinations, creating a specific notification and affidavit process to prevent custody loss.

Department of Children and Families