> # Mothers Against Sexual Abuse

> ##

> AB 2557 Child Custody Legislation

> ##

> Call for letters and testimony on May 8, 1996

> Forwarded by alex@directnet.com (Alex Constantine)

> From: Mothers Against Sexual Abuse (MASA)
> Re: AB 2557 Child Custody and Visitation
> Sponsor: MASA
> Hearing May 8, 1996

> Urgent Legislative Call to Action:

> A proposed new law would prevent judges from giving custody of children on ex parte hearings. (Ex parte simply means one-sided or one parent present). In cases where there are allegations of child abuse, the child would be placed in a third-party setting and a thorough investigation of the abuse allegations would ensue.

> Example: Children are constantly turned over to the parent accused of abusing them. Often, the non-offending parent did not receive notice of the ex parte hearing. In some cases the custodial parent interfered with visitation because of fear that the child would be abused. That parent is then in contempt of court and the accused parent goes into court ex parte and gains custody. In cases where parents flee to protect their children, it is almost an automatic that the non-fleeing patent goes into court ex parte, and is awarded full custody. If and when the fleeing parent is caught, there is no investigation, and the child is almost invariably turned over to the parent accused of abuse. (NOTE: MASA does not condone, aid or abet parents fleeing into the underground. We do, however, understand how a parent may go to any lengths to protect a child.)

> This legislation will provide a safety net for the children.

> Write to: Chairwoman Paula Boland, State Capitol, P.O. Box 924849, Sacramento, CA 94249-001.

> Assemblywoman Jan Goldsmith, Vice-Chairman, State Capitol, Room 2136, Sacramento, CA 94249.

> The following committee members' addresses are all State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 94249. The names and room numbers are changed: Barbara Alby, Room 5155, Dede Alpert, Room 2170, Debra Bowen, Room 2158, Larry Bowler, Room 4016, Brett Granlund, Room 6005, George House, Room 2141, Barbara Lee, Room 5150, Diane Martinez, Room 6011, Grace F. Napolitano, Room 5164, Richard Rainey, Room 3173, James Rogan, Room 3160, Byron D. Sher, Room 4158, John Vasconcellos, Room 4117.

> Instructions: A zerox copy of your letter is fine. If you do not have time to send all 15 letters, then just send to Paula Boland and Jan Goldsmith.

> Note: Hearings will be held on May 8, 1996 in Sacramento. Parents who wish to testify are asked to call the head office for travel arrangements.