NCJ Number
188063
Editor(s)
Linda K. Girdner Ph.D.,
Patricia M. Hoff Esq.
Date Published
January 1994
Length
608 pages
Annotation
This report studies obstacles to the recovery and return of parentally abducted children.
Abstract
The term "parental abduction" refers to the taking, retention, or concealment of a child or children by a parent, other family member, or their agent, in derogation of the custody rights, including visitation rights, of another parent or family member. An estimated 354,100 children were abducted by parents or family members in the United States in 1988. The book describes State and Federal laws, and international sanctions intended to address interstate and international parental child abductions. It examines key laws relating to parental abductions and obstacles to their effectiveness, court rules and recent case law, legal and judicial practices in parental abduction cases, an Act to expedite enforcement of child custody determinations, the role of prosecutors in the civil enforcement of custody decrees, civil liability of law enforcement officials, and key issues and obstacles in criminal prosecution of parental kidnapping. The book also discusses perspectives from left-behind parents and their helpers and compares community responses at three sites of parental abduction cases. For each obstacle to the recovery and return of parentally abducted children the book provides commentary and recommendations for corrective action. Notes, tables, appendixes, references