Convicted Child Abusers should be required to forfeit parenting rights.

The Issue

Currently in Massachusetts a parent who is convicted of Intentional Assault & Battery with bodily injury on a child under 14 years old is still fully entitled to parental rights. Initially the judge gives visitation and occasionally in a center. Not only are these centers biased towards one parent but judges in Massachusetts are not versed in domestic violence and child abuse. As a result they are using out dated information to the detriment of  our children’s safety. I am in the process of writing a petition to change the law in Massachusetts that limits the family & probate courts power after a conviction of child abuse and domestic violence to over ride a restraining order and allow them to revoke parental rights. 

10,582

The Issue

Currently in Massachusetts a parent who is convicted of Intentional Assault & Battery with bodily injury on a child under 14 years old is still fully entitled to parental rights. Initially the judge gives visitation and occasionally in a center. Not only are these centers biased towards one parent but judges in Massachusetts are not versed in domestic violence and child abuse. As a result they are using out dated information to the detriment of  our children’s safety. I am in the process of writing a petition to change the law in Massachusetts that limits the family & probate courts power after a conviction of child abuse and domestic violence to over ride a restraining order and allow them to revoke parental rights. 

The Decision Makers

Susan Williams Gifford
Susan Williams Gifford
Massachusetts Representative for Plymouth County
Marc R. Pacheco
Marc R. Pacheco
MassaRepresentative for Bristol & Plymouth County

Petition Updates