NCJ Number
77255
Date Published
Unknown
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Reviewing two cases of child snatching, this article focuses on provisions of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (UCCJA), S. 105, the Child Custody and Abduction Prevention Act, and efforts of parent groups to stop child snatching.
Abstract
The UCCJA does not address child snatching, but does cover custody. Its provisions apply only when a custody decree exists, while more than 70 percent of all snatchings occur before one has been issued. Under UCCJA, a court has no way of knowing if another State might already have awarded custody to the other parent unless informed by the one applying for custody. Finally, no provision is made to locate and return a snatched child. On the other hand, S. 105 would amend the U.S. Code to require State courts to give full faith and credit to custody decrees rendered by sister State courts. It would amend the Social Security Act to widen the use of the Federal Parent Locator System (FPLS), originally intended to find parents whose children were on welfare and who refused to pay court-ordered child support. S. 105 would also make it a Federal misdemeanor for 'any parent, relative, or other person to snatch and transport a child across State lines in violation of a custody determination.' It also creates two new Federal offenses: restraining a child (under 14) without good cause for more than 30 days and concealing a child without good cause for more than 7 days. Criticism of these provisions includes the stringent time and reporting requirements, and age criteria.