Our Work
“Long range effects on a child victimized by disruption of the psychological parent-child relationship include lack of self-esteem, trust and ability to care for others. These effects frequently lead to anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, behavioral disorders and juvenile delinquency.”
Meetings with Governor’s office and Legislators
Presentations to families throughout the state
Rights of Children in Wyoming – Power Point Presentation Presented to families and legislators
De Facto Custody Law – Power Point Presentation Presented to families and legislators
Working with local and state agencies and the Judiciary Committee
Lobbying
Letters to Legislators
February 5, 2018 – Letter to all WY legislators regarding HB15
De Facto Custody Act
April 27th, 2018 – Letter to Judiciary Committee members in preparation of
May 7th Interim Joint Judiciary Committee Meeting in Worland
June 21st, 2018 – Cheyenne WY
Nonparent Custody/Guardianship laws – proposed changes
Panel – Sponsored by the Laramie County Community Action Kinship Support
in Collaboration with Wyoming Guardians as Protectors
August 15th, 2018 – Sheridan WY
Nonparent Custody/Guardianship laws – proposed changes
Sponsored by Compass for Families Presentation by Wyoming Guardians as Protectors
September 21st, 2018 Interim Joint Judiciary Committee meeting at the University of WY, Laramie, WY
Media coverage
2018 HB 15 De Facto Custody Act – original draft – ID Model
2018 HB 15 – Amendments to draft (not finalized)
2019 Bill Draft: Guardianship terminations and orders.
Changes the current Guardianship statutes to alter the standard of “fitness” of the biological parent and includes Best Interest of the Child Analysis
NOTE: This is the bill we are now focusing on for the 2019 session
2019 Bill Draft: De Facto Custodian Act
Includes Amendments made by Committee in 2018
The Judiciary Committee has “taken up” De Facto Custody as a “priority bill” for the upcoming 2019 session. These bills are sponsored by the Joint Judiciary Interim Committee. Although we have made some headway, there is still so much work to be done educating our state legislators on just how serious this problem really is and the risks involved if laws are not passed. We have the vast majority of the Judiciary Committee on board to agree that a solution to protect the children is necessary. And it is encouraging that HB 15 De Facto Custody Act passed the 2/3 initial House requirement last session with very little exposure at the time during a budget session. The bill was ‘tabled’ in 2018 because of the complexity and lack of time to work the bill during the crammed budget session.