Procedures for Parental Abductions

1. Notify your local law enforcement agency(LEA) immediately, even if you don't have custody. Your LEA should place your child's name into the National Crime Information Computer (NCIC). If the LEA refuses to enter the child's name into the NCIC, you can contact your local FBI office for entry.

2. Obtain an Attorney or Legal Aid. Have them obtain a contempt order from a judge for Restoration of Visitation Rights or for Interference with Custody (whichever applies). Have a felony warrant issued against the abducting parent. Call Child Protection Education of America at 1-866-USA-CHILD for further information regarding this action.

3. UFAP - Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution. The following must be present before a UFAP process can be obtained and a warrant issued:

• A State Felony Warrant is outstanding and the appropriate law enforcement agency requests assistance.

• Sufficient evidence is shown that the subject fled the state to avoid prosecution.

• The agency requesting fugitive assistance is willing to extradite and prosecute the parent for the state crime when the individual is located.

Once UFAP process is obtained by the FBI, these investigations, which are part of the Fugitive Program, are afforded the highest priority and receive continuous preferred treatment. If you have more questions about UFAP, please call us.

4. Parent Locator Service - This service is for custodial parents only. Contact the local US Assistant Attorney at your Federal Courthouse. Send him a copy of your court papers, providing divorce and custody decree. The PLS will then contact the Justice Dept. who decides if the PLS should become involved in the case of your missing child. The US Asst. Attorney will need the following information :

• Social Security Numbers of the absent parent and child.

• If the absent parent was ever a member of the Armed Services.

• If the absent parent is or has received Federal Compensation benefits.

• Any information regarding recent whereabouts of the absent parent and child.

• Copy of Final Judgment of Dissolution granting you custody of the child.

• The absent parents date and place of birth.

Under the Federal Parent Kidnapping Act of December, 1980, the PLS must help you restore your rights of custody. If you need further information, please contact Office of Child Support Enforcement-FPLS, 330 "C" Street SW, #2518, Washington, DC 20201

5. FERPA - Family Education Rights & Privacy Act - You, as a parent, have a legal right to your child's school records, whether you have custody or not. The school must tell you where your child's records have been sent. This law is quite effective in locating school age children. If the school refuses to give you information, all federal aid can be cut off from the school. If you need more information, please contact CPEA.

6. Immigrations - Send a letter stating that you do not give your permission for your child to leave this country. This letter needs to include the names, dates and places of birth for both your child and ex-spouse. It also helps to include a certified copy of your custody papers. Mail to Legal Division, US Passport Office, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520.

7. Vital information you should know regarding the abducting parent - Know your ex-spouses relatives address and phone numbers, the previous and current places of employment, driver's license number and Social Security Number.

8. Always make sure your attorney, the law enforcement agency working your case and the US Asst. Attorney are made aware of any information you may obtain.

9. When your child is located - Your law enforcement agency should be involved. Ask that your child be placed into protective custody until you can arrive to pick up your child. You are responsible for getting to the location of your child and picking them up. There is no funding available to parents to assist them regarding travel.

10. Stay calm - and do not break any laws while searching for your child as it can be used against you later.

11. UCCJA - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act - This Act avoids jurisdictional competition and conflict with courts from other states in matters of child custody. The home state from which the child was abducted takes jurisdiction. This act is provided when a spouse runs off with a child and the remaining parent instigates divorce proceedings and obtains a UCCJA which grants temporary custody. The physical presence of the child, while desirable, is not a prerequisite for jurisdiction to determine his/her custody. This act also promotes cooperation with the courts of other states in that a custody decree is rendered in the state which can best decide the case in the interest of the child. Lastly, this act assures that litigation concerning the custody of the child usually takes place in the state with which the child and his family have the closest connection.

There is a tremendous amount of information to help you. We strongly encourage you to call us to ensure you do everything within your power to get your children back.