A bill sponsored by Senator Don White expanding the legal standing for third party individuals trying to gain custody of a child when no parent has care or control of the child was signed into law on Friday.
The new law, known as act 21 of 2018, would allow third parties like grandparents to file for legal custody of the child in cases where the parents are deceased or absent, that is if they can show a sustained, substantial and sincere interest in the child’s welfare. Senator White said the recent opioid crisis has led to grandparents and other relatives taking care of the children of parents of addicts. White said the new law changes things so that those people are recognized in statute for their role as caregivers.
The bill unanimously passed the state house and senate, and was signed by Governor Wolf last week.
