In a situation no child should have to experience, my 9-year-old son stood as his own advocate, bravely using his voice throughout our entire case. Yet, despite his courage and determination, his concerns went unheard. This deeply personal experience highlighted a critical gap in the safety measures intended to protect our most vulnerable—the children in foster care.

This leads us to the vital need for “Isaiah’s Law,” championed by Senator Melissa Wintrow. Isaiah’s Law is designed to protect children in foster care from being forced into visits with individuals who have been substantiated for physically or sexually abusing them. Too often, children are required to attend visits with the very people who hurt them, even while investigations and court proceedings are ongoing. This bill places children’s safety first by allowing courts to pause or restrict visitation when abuse has been confirmed.