Child Survivor Privacy Act May Be Included in State Budget
The Child Survivor Privacy Act, a bill written by Republican Senator Jim Tedisco and Democratic Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara, aims to improve the process of obtaining justice for child survivors of trauma. The bill comes after a 9-year-old girl was abducted from Moreau Lake State Park in 2023 and the two lawmakers have been working with her family to make the process easier for child survivors.
The Need for Change
Trisha Sena, the mother of the 9-year-old girl, spoke about her own experience with the justice system. "For me as an adult, it was very difficult," she said. "So when I think about a child, how scary and big and traumatizing; retraumatizing this must feel to them." Trisha explained that her daughter and family were treated fairly by the justice system, but they want to see improvements.
The Child Survivor Privacy Act
The bill includes several key provisions, including the requirement for a child victim advocate to be present during the legal process to provide support and guidance. "It is somebody who counsels the child, who lets them know it was not their fault, who helps them answer the questions appropriately," said Senator Tedisco. "Who basically helps get the facts and information out there without victimizing the child themselves."
The act also includes enhanced privacy protection for child victims, including keeping their identity and personal details shielded and private. "Making sure that we are keeping the identity and personal details of the child shielded, private," stated Assemblymember Santabarbara. "Including court records throughout the legal process so you don’t have that unnecessary exposure that again, it’s further trauma."
Governor’s Position
A spokesperson for Governor Hochul told NEWS10 that the Child Survivor Privacy Act has not yet been included in the proposed 2026 State Budget. However, the Governor has included a different proposal, Protect Child Victims, which doubles the investment in child advocacy centers throughout the state.
The Sena Family’s Perspective
The Senas are focusing on staying positive and moving forward. "We have good days, we have bad days but in our house, we focus a lot of perspective and even on the bad days, we focus on the fact that we are together, we’re healthy, we’re happy and we’re moving forward," said Trisha.
Conclusion
The Child Survivor Privacy Act has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of child survivors of trauma. By providing a child victim advocate and enhanced privacy protection, the act aims to reduce the trauma and stress associated with the legal process. While the fate of the bill remains uncertain, the Sena family and other advocates are hopeful that it will become law and make a positive impact on the lives of child survivors.
FAQs
- What is the Child Survivor Privacy Act?
The Child Survivor Privacy Act is a bill that aims to improve the process of obtaining justice for child survivors of trauma. - Who wrote the bill?
The bill was written by Republican Senator Jim Tedisco and Democratic Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara. - What are the key provisions of the bill?
The bill includes the requirement for a child victim advocate to be present during the legal process and enhanced privacy protection for child victims. - Is the bill included in the proposed 2026 State Budget?
A spokesperson for Governor Hochul told NEWS10 that the bill has not yet been included in the proposed 2026 State Budget. However, the Governor has included a different proposal, Protect Child Victims, which doubles the investment in child advocacy centers throughout the state.
