Young Artist Academy launches Daveigh’s Law at 47th Awards

The Young Artist Academy introduced Daveigh’s Law on Aug. 16 in Hollywood as a new safety initiative inspired by Daveigh Chase’s life and legacy. The proposed 24/7 phone, text and app support system is aimed at helping child performers and their caregivers respond to crises, threats and other difficult situations.

Why it matters: - Daveigh’s Law is aimed at a vulnerable group with few obvious safety resources: professional child performers. - The initiative is meant to give young artists and their caregivers a clear path to confidential help during crises, threats or hard-to-interpret situations. - The launch highlights a broader concern in entertainment: child performers can face adult pressures, public scrutiny and unfamiliar environments long before they have the tools to navigate them.

What happened: - The Young Artist Academy introduced Daveigh’s Law on Sunday, Aug. 16, during the 47th Young Artist Awards at the Directors Guild of America in Hollywood. - Amy Castle unveiled the initiative from the Young Artist Awards stage. - Castle and Daveigh Chase were both Young Artist Award winners in the same year, with Castle recognized for Lizzie McGuire and Chase honored for Lilo & Stitch. - The project was inspired by the life and legacy of Daveigh Chase, who was best known as the voice of Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. - Chase also appeared in The Ring and Spirited Away. - Chase died June 16, 2026, at age 35.

The details: - Daveigh’s Law is described as a technology-driven platform created for professional child performers and the adults responsible for their care. - The proposed network is designed to provide 24/7 support by phone, text and app. - The service is intended to offer confidential support, safety coordination, referrals and long-term follow-through. - The platform is built to help with physical and emotional concerns, as well as situations that may be difficult for a child to interpret or communicate. - The initiative is meant to connect young performers with resources specifically relevant to children working in entertainment. - The announcement came during an evening that also honored Idina Menzel with the academy’s Impact on Youth Award. - Terry Crews hosted the 47th Young Artist Awards. - The Young Artist Academy says Daveigh’s Law fits its mission to support young performers and creators. - The academy was founded to recognize and support young artists across entertainment disciplines.

Between the lines: - The timing of the launch gave the initiative an added emotional charge. - Hours after the announcement, the entertainment community learned of Hayden Panettiere’s sudden death. - Panettiere began her career as a child performer, won several early awards through the Young Artist Academy and later became known for Heroes and Nashville. - The sequence of events sharpened the message behind Daveigh’s Law: support for young performers should extend beyond career success and into lifelong wellbeing. - The initiative also reflects a shift from tribute to action, turning remembrance into a practical safety tool.

What’s next: - The initiative points toward a proposed rollout of the Daveigh’s Law support platform at More information. - The Young Artist Academy is likely to frame the project as part of its broader education, mentorship and safety work for young talent. - The academy’s existing programs and industry initiatives suggest Daveigh’s Law may become one part of a larger support network for young creatives.

The bottom line: - Daveigh’s Law turns a tribute to Daveigh Chase into a practical attempt to improve safety, access and support for child performers when they need help most.