NCJ Number
125164
Date Published
1989
Length
137 pages
Annotation
This report focuses on parental kidnapping as the subject of a comprehensive plan for enhancing coordination and cooperation among the public and private-sector organizations.
Abstract
The most familiar kind of parental abduction occurs when the noncustodial parent abducts a child in violation of a custody order. Most states consider parental abduction a felony crime because of the risk of harm to the child and the disruption to the stability of the parent-child relationship. The last decade has seen significant development in the civil and criminal justice systems' awareness of and responsiveness to parental kidnapping. However, in spite of all the progress that has been made, impediments remain in the ability to locate, recover, and return parentally abducted children. Prevention strategies include expansion of mediation and crisis intervention services to promote negotiation, communication, and compromise as solutions to custody problems. If a parental abduction does occur, support services need to be in place for the victim parent and, if located and recovered, the child. Current research on family reunification will not only document model programs but will also develop technical assistance materials to help communities establish responsive strategies. Additional research on the psychological consequences of abduction will also provide insight into the kinds of services that are essential. Appendix.