New York Legislature: Experts in child custody cases must be licensed

ALBANY — Legislation seeking to reform a key aspect of New York's Family Court system passed a crucial hurdle Wednesday.

By a unanimous vote, the state Senate passed the bill raising standards to be a "forensic evaluator" providing paid expertise in Family Court cases. Previously, the same bill had passed the Assembly. Once it's formally delivered to Gov. Kathy Hochul, the bill will await her signature or veto.

The bill is the first among a package seeking to increase child safety in Family Court that has passed both the Senate and the Assembly. Among others, the package is being pushed by Jacqueline Franchetti, whose 2-year-old daughter was murdered by her ex-boyfriend after a forensic evaluator recommended the parents receive joint custody. The murder occurred before the case to determine custody of Franchetti's daughter went to trial in Family Court.

In such cases, forensic evaluators' opinions about which parent should gain custody often play a crucial role.

Read more: https://www.timesunion.com/state/article/Family-Court-reform-bill-passes-both-houses-of-17215511.php?IPID=Times-Union-HP-state-package