Issues in Resolving Cases of International Child Abduction by Parents

• NCJ Number: 190105
• Author(s): Janet Chiancone; Linda Girdner; Patricia Hoff
• Date Published: December 2001
• Length: 20 pages
• Grant Number(s): 93-MC-CX-0007
• Agencies: OJJDP
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)

Annotation

This study uses a comprehensive approach to examine the issue of international parental abduction of children.

Abstract

This report is divided into three different sections. In the first section the researchers surveyed parents whose children had been taken to another country by the other parent. The survey was specifically designed with three primary objectives. These objectives included the following: (1) identify the circumstances surrounding abductions; (2) demographic, social and cultural differences of the abductor, family history; and (3) examine legal and administrative procedures. The Hague Convention played a significant role. The purpose of the Hague Convention is a civil proceeding brought to a specific country where the child is being held. The findings of the survey were analyzed. The second section focused primarily on selected “good practices” that deal with international child abduction. Many different perspectives were represented: Government, State and local levels, as well as the private sector. The last section concentrates on the authors’ recommendations based on the findings of the survey and review of the different practices. First, policymakers and practitioners gain a better understanding of the obstacles parents face. Second, the study provides a number of different strategies communities can use in order to prevent these types of situations and provide methods to aid in the recovery of children. Lastly, this report provides some guidelines on how to apply resources and programs to cope with this problem. Tables, source and reference information