“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.” Sigmund Freud
Kayden’s Law and Kyra’s Law, Protecting Children
This is a story that goes back in time and sadly, forward into the future, with too often the same devastating ending.
In February 2012, during a court ordered supervised visitation at his home in Graham, WA, Josh Powell locked the social worker out of his home and intentionally set his home on fire, killing his children and himself. A jury later ruled that Washington State was negligent regarding protecting the safety of the children, Charlie and Braden Powell.
In 2018, seven year old Kayden Mancuso was killed by her father during a court-ordered visit in Pennsylvania, despite clear warning from the child’s mother. That tragedy led to federal reforms – Kayden’s Law – in the 2022 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. State-level implementation of Kayden’s law varies, but the following states have passed or fully adopted versions of the legislation: Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Pennsylvania, California, Tennessee, Arizona, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Maryland and New Hampshire. (according to Google).
Washington state has not enacted Kayden’s Law, however, House Bill 1620, which was signed into law and went into effect in April 2025, focuses on child safety and domestic violence considerations.
In June 2025, Evelyn, Paityn and Olivia Decker, while on a court-ordered visitation with their father Travis Decker, died from suffocation. Their death was ruled a homicide. Travis Decker eluded authorities but his remains were eventually found less than a mile from where his daughter’s bodies were found, near Leavenworth, WA. According to the Seattle Times, his ex-wife wrote in her divorce filing about the “emotional/mental health issues” Travis was experiencing and said it was “the primary catalyst” to the end of their marriage.
In New York this year, after a 10 year battle with the court system, a child custody law was finally passed. After the brutal murder of her 2 year old daughter, Kyra, by her ex-husband, Jacqueline Franchetti began a grassroots movement to rewrite family court law, but the legislation was held up by legal language. Franchetti rewrote the bill ten times and in June 2026 both sides of the aisle came together on Kyra’s Law. This bill requires child safety as the top priority for judges in family court issues. Ms Franchetti stated “ ‘Kyra’s Law’ is going to move us lightyears forward in addressing the child custody crisis and protecting children from abusive parents,” she said.
And most recently, People reported this month that a Wisconsin father and his two daughters were found dead hours after his divorce from his wife was finalized. Jeffrey Manke, 57, and his daughters, Jaelyn, 16, and Lenora, 11, were discovered by police officers performing a welfare check at a home in Winneconne on July 31. The girls’ grieving mother, Lindsay Lewandowski, claimed she repeatedly raised concerns about her daughters’ safety while in their father’s care.
There is still much work that needs to be done in the courts across the country to protect children when custody cases are being settled. Judges need to have in-depth understanding of the dynamics and nuances of domestic violence, power and control tactics, coercive control and lengths some people will go to, to deprive the other parent of that which they love most. Much work needs to be done across all sectors, to make aware and educate the public about Domestic Violence. And, we must never forget all the children who have died at the hands of those who were meant to love and protect them. LK
Book Recommendation:
When It’s Just Not Working: A Practical Divorce Guide for Stay-At-Home Moms. Leah Hadley. Motivation & Success Publishing, July, 2026
This book is not just for stay-at-home moms, but for all moms who want to enter the divorce process armed with a sound understanding of their current situation and future needs. It’s not about whether you should get a divorce or how or why you got to the point of a divorce. With only a few references to domestic violence, this book will steer you in the right direction if divorce is part of the picture.
CCSF does not advocate for divorce. We do advocate for peace and safety in your home and sometimes divorce is the only solution. The information in this book is good, solid information for anyone considering a separation or divorce.
Domestic Violence Volunteer Training Opportunity
Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County is offering Direct Support & DV Advocate Volunteer Training, September 8th – October 1st, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 pm – 8 pm. Contact Melanie Rose 425-259-2827, ex 1024 or melanie@dvs-snoco.org or visit their website at https://dvs-snoco.org.
Missions Fest Seattle 2026
Missions Fest is coming October, 16th & 17th, at Eastside Church in Bothell. We’ll be there with tools, resources and Hope! Stop by and see us at our booth!
Scripture Verse
“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14
Christian Coalition for Safe Families 