Professional Training: Kayden’s Law & High-Conflict Family Dynamics
Evidence-based training for guardians ad litem, attorneys, mediators, and custody evaluators in Pennsylvania.
Why This Training Matters Now
Pennsylvania’s Kayden’s Law (Act 107 of 2024) changed how courts handle custody cases involving abuse allegations. Named after seven-year-old Kayden Mancuso, who was killed during an unsupervised custody visit in 2018, the law requires courts to thoroughly examine evidence of abuse, domestic violence, coercive control, and other risks in every custody proceeding.
Under the law, courts must make reasonable efforts to appoint guardians ad litem who have received evidence-based education and training in child abuse, child sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and the effects of these experiences on children. GALs and custody evaluators must now screen for 17 safety factors, document findings, and recommend restrictions when evidence indicates risk.
This training addresses the knowledge and skills that courts now expect from professionals involved in custody decisions.
Who This Training Is For
- Guardians ad Litem (GALs) appointed in Pennsylvania custody cases
- Custody Evaluators conducting assessments for the court
- Family Law Attorneys representing parents in high-conflict custody matters
- Mediators working with families where abuse dynamics may be present
- Parenting Coordinators managing ongoing high-conflict coparenting situations
- Therapists and Counselors providing court-ordered services to families
- Divorce Coaches supporting clients through custody proceedings
Training Topics
Recognizing Abuse Dynamics in Custody Cases
- Identifying patterns of domestic violence, coercive control, and psychological abuse
- Recognizing child abuse indicators — physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect
- Understanding how abusers present in custody proceedings
- Distinguishing high-conflict dynamics from abuse-driven dynamics
Impact on Children and Families
- Trauma responses in children exposed to domestic violence
- Developmental effects of abuse and high-conflict exposure across age groups
- Attachment disruption and its implications for custody arrangements
- When children’s stated preferences may reflect coaching, fear, or loyalty conflicts
Practical Application for Court-Appointed Professionals
- Screening for the 17 safety factors required under Kayden’s Law
- Documenting findings in reports that meet the statute’s requirements
- Making evidence-based recommendations for custody restrictions
- Identifying implicit and explicit bias in custody evaluations
- Trauma-informed interview techniques for children and parents
Why Train with Melissa Sulkowski
With over thirty years of direct experience working with families in high-conflict custody situations, Melissa brings a perspective that combines clinical depth with practical courtroom awareness.
- Dual credentials — Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Nurse (RN), providing both clinical and medical perspectives on abuse recognition and trauma
- Decades of family systems experience — direct work with families navigating divorce, separation, custody disputes, and coparenting challenges
- Interdisciplinary collaboration — extensive experience working alongside attorneys, mediators, judges, and guardian ad litems on complex cases
- Practical focus — training emphasizes skills you can apply immediately to active cases, not abstract theory
Training Formats Available
Training is available in formats designed to fit the schedules of working professionals:
- Individual consultation sessions — focused case-specific guidance
- Group workshops — for law firms, mediation centers, or professional organizations
- Ongoing mentorship — structured programs for developing expertise in high-conflict family work
- Virtual and in-person options — serving professionals throughout Pennsylvania and beyond
Schedule a Consultation
Whether you need training to meet Kayden’s Law requirements, want deeper expertise in high-conflict family dynamics, or are looking for case consultation on a specific matter, the first step is a conversation about your needs.
Or call directly: (814) 455-1301 | connect@melissasulkowski.com
Melissa Sulkowski, MA, LPC, RN provides consultation and training for professionals working with families in Erie, PA and throughout Pennsylvania. This training is educational in nature and does not constitute legal advice or continuing legal education (CLE) credit unless arranged through an approved CLE provider.