MANHASSET, NY (CBSNewYork) – A mother’s grim struggle for the safety of her children continues in Albany and beyond.

Her Long Island community calls her efforts “the best gift” for children involved in custody disputes with abusive parents.

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“When I go to her grave, I still bring Elmo and Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dolls with me,” said Jacqueline Franchetti Jennifer McLogan of CBS2.

This week five years ago, Manhasset’s mother kissed her two-year-old daughter Kyra for the last time. The toddler was allowed a court-approved visit to her father. The parents found themselves in a bitter custody battle.

“I found out that her father had taken her,” said Franchetti.

He had led Kyra across state lines and then done the unthinkable; the father killed his little daughter, set the house on fire, and took his own life.

“Every red flag was hoisted, every warning signal … Your father bought not one but two guns,” said Franchetti.

Months earlier, the Nassau Family Court had learned that Franchetti was being followed and threatened by her ex. CPS reported on his anger and anger problems, but a judge ruled “low risk”.

“He said we should share joint custody because a father should always play a role in a child’s life,” said Franchetti.

Family court judges often rely solely on forensic pre-trial detention instead of listening to parents or looking at violent or abusive behavior.

“I was kept saying, ‘Well, just because he molested you doesn’t mean he molested the child,'” said Franchetti.

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Franchetti is now on a crusade. Her community stands behind her, as does celebrity Christie Brinkley.

@SeaBrinkley posted about #KyrasLaw! Thank you, Christie, for your support and for raising awareness of the urgent need to protect children from abuse in divorce and custody cases. Further information can be found at https://t.co/RcQMDbDyU3. #ChildSafetyFirst #KyraFranchetti pic.twitter.com/Uru32wCdZg

– Kyras Champions (@KyrasChampions) April 25, 2021

Three bills, including Kyra’s Act to Protect the Health and Safety of Vulnerable Children, are pending in Albany.

“Children brought to a dangerous parent’s home by a court earn more,” Franchetti said.

She cited the recent child deaths of Jovani Ligurgo and Thomas Valva.

“A case like the Valva tragedy or this case with Kyra, nothing more. It is time that changed, ”said Senator Todd Kaminsky.

The bills include mandatory training for judges and detention experts as well as random supervised visits.

“This is the epidemic that will outlast the current pandemic if no changes are made,” Franchetti said.

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There is growing support for Kyra’s law in the congregation and the Senate.