PREVENT INTERNATIONAL PARENTAL CHILD ABDUCTION
Join PIPCA in supporting laws for the Prevention of International Parental Child Abduction in every State
Laws Enacted to Prevent International Parental Child Abduction
TEXAS:
In 2003, Texas enacted landmark legislation, Prevention of International Parental Child Abduction, which was to Chapter 153 of the Texas Family Code (as Subsections 153.501-153.503). The act, HB1899, was introduced in the Texas Legislature at the request of Cathy Brown and Teresa Lauderdale. It passed both chambers unanimously, and was signed into law by the Governor, effective immediately.
- SECTION 153.501. NECESSITY OF MEASURES TO PREVENT INTERNATIONAL PARENTAL CHILD ABDUCTION
- SECTION 153.502. ABDUCTION RISK FACTORS
- SECTION 153.503. ABDUCTION PREVENTION MEASURES
CALIFORNIA:
See CA Family Code, Section 3048. Also see Child Abduction Prevention Order Attachment.
OTHER STATES:
Commissioners from Texas then took the code to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws , who then developed a Model Child Abduction Prevention Act which all states are encouraged to pass. Teresa Lauderdale participated as an official Observer throughout the process. For a copy of the model act, and an update on States that have passed this legislation, see www.ncussl.org --> Final Acts --> Child Abduction Prevention.
All States are encouraged to pass this model act, or a law similar to it. Some states have modified the language somewhat to further protect victims of domestic violence. For more information on this, please feel free to contact us.
NATIONAL:
**********Important Prevention Tool Involving Non-U.S. Citizens**********
The Prevent Departure program started sometime after 2003 and has been gaining more and more utilization over time. The Department of Homeland Security/Customs and Border Protection oversees this program and it is monitored 24-hrs a day. Information below details the Prevent Departure program. If parents want to learn more, they can contact the Prevention Unit at the U.S. Department of State. See their website: www.travel.state.gov/childabduction for more information about preventing international parental child abduction.
78th Texas Legislature, House Bill 1899
GENERAL DISCLAIMER
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Videos on international child abduction:
Congressional testimony -
"Americans Trapped in Saudi Arabia"
Adult survivors of abduction -
"Take Root; Family Abduction: How Bad Can It Be?"