Abductions of children by a family member occur almost exclusively in instances of divorce, and when all lines of communication between two parents fail. This type of kidnapping is usually a reaction to dissatisfaction with a custody or visitation agreement. It is considered kidnapping once the abductor violates the custody or visitation agreement, regardless of the specific circumstances. For instance, family abductions range from the non-custodial parent keeping children overnight, to transporting the children out-of-state.

Belief that a child is safe when abducted by a parent or family member is the greatest misconception surrounding family abductions. Although reported instances of physical and sexual abuse are low in family abduction scenarios, studies show emotional trauma in children can be significant. In the past few years, all 50 states have enacted criminal statutes pertaining to parental kidnapping, or by custodial interference all which can be avoided .

Most abduction of children by a family member occurs during visitation exchanges or at the end of school vacations. Often, the issue is not the children’s whereabouts, but how to return them to the primary custodial parent.

Parents and caregivers looking for children should contact local and federal law enforcement immediately. Hiring a private detective, searching through school records, and alerting the media can be helpful in searching for a child abducted by a family member. Designing a safety plan in the case of abduction is imperative to include the local media. Have recent photos, all vital statistics and your paperwork in order to eliminate wasted time thereby slowing the search efforts.

Prevention

Parents and caregivers should develop specific strategies with their children that foster home safety. The Vanished Children’s Alliance recommends that parents and children learn and practice life-saving measures together. Some of the Alliance’s recommendations include:

Never leave your children unattended.

Children and caregivers should agree upon and use a “family code word”. Caregivers should teach children not to leave with anybody who doesn’t know the code, even if the child knows the person.

Children’s names should not be put on their personal belongings. By de-personalizing articles, parents and caregivers make it much more difficult for an abductor to befriend a child by calling him or her by name.

Children should never open doors, or answer the telephone when they are home by themselves; and children should understand they can say “no” to adults if they feel uncomfortable.

Always keep an updated Safe Child Plan on your child.