vendredi 9 novembre 2012

Le Noël des fêtes sont International saison de rapt Parental enfant



Chassant le Cyclone
par
Peter Thomas Senese
 
Le temps des fêtes et International enfant enlèvement

À la suite de l'ouragan Sandy et les ravages qu'elle a apporté à la New York - New Jersey agglomération, je veux partager un message très important que nous sommes maintenant sur les fêtes de Noël, qui signifie qu'il est également un des moments importants où beaucoup d'enfants sont enlevés à l'étranger par un parent de l'autre.

Comme dans tous les cas d'enlèvement parental, ces crimes contre les enfants sont bien pensé, bien planifié et conçu pour attraper un parent ciblé au dépourvu et sans méfiance qu'un régime horrible est en cours d'avoir leur enfant. 

Et les régimes qui finit par voir des enfants enlevés ou détenus illégalement à l'étranger sont effectués dès maintenant.

Toutefois, si vous connaissez les signes avant-coureurs de chercher, les parents ont une chance équitable de la protection de votre enfant ou les enfants d'enlèvement. 

Avec 100 000 à 125 000 enfants américains et de 12 500 à 20 000 enfants canadiens signalés à attendre d'être sur la scène internationale ont enlevé au cours des dix prochaines années ne pas STICK YOUR HEAD IN THE GROUND : enlèvement parental est un panemic qui vole en silence les enfants. 

Ne laissez pas vos enfants être enlevé. Renseignez-vous.

Il faut savoir seulement environ 10 % de tous les enfants enlevés à l'étranger jamais revenir à la maison. 

Ce que l'on cherche

Dans de nombreux cas d'enlèvement transfrontalier enfants survenant au cours de la période des fêtes, le plus grand nombre d'incidents a lieu généralement quand un parent se rend dans un autre pays avec leur enfant ou les enfants d'une relation accompagné ou avec le consentement initial de l'autre parent. 

En général, le voyage se déroule sous un couvert d'un voyage de vacances à l'étranger pour visiter des membres de la famille du parent qui a l'intention d'enlever. Bien sûr, le parent ciblé est désemparé quant à ce qui se passe réellement. 

Ainsi, par exemple, père X est né et élevé au Moyen-Orient mais marié femme Y, qui est citoyen américain. Le couple vit aux États-Unis, où leur enfant est né et a grandi. 

Inconnu de la femme dans le relatioship, le mari veut mettre fin à la relation et de déménager dans son pays d'origine dans le Moyen-Orient. Toutefois, il a un seul problème : il sait que sa femme ne permettra jamais que pour lui de prendre légalement l'enfant avec lui.

Donc au lieu d'annoncer son intention véritable pour séparer, le mari va créer détournement une importance cruciale. Ce qui signifie, qu'il va faire tout son possible pour rendre sa femme à croire qu'il est heureux et engagés dans la relation. 

J'ai dit tout mettre en oeuvre. 

Pourquoi ? 

Car il est essentiel qu'elle posa sa garde et pas soupçonner un schéma ou un jeu déloyal.

En attendant, petites choses - qui sont vraiment grandes choses - peuvent se dérouler visiblement ou à l'insu du parent ciblé. Il y a de nombreux signes avant-coureurs de chercher, mais si les subtilités ne constituent pas soigneusement, puis le ravisseur potentiel va sortir avec leur plan.

Si le mari qui a l'intention d'enlever l'enfant de détenir illégalement l'enfant à l'étranger continuera à créer une façade d'être heureusement marié et s'est engagé à la relation lors de la mise en page avec soin un plan visant à obtenir l'enfant à l'étranger.

Par la suite, et à droite sur cette période de l'année, le ravisseur soi-disant fait la suggestion que ce serait « bien » ou « gentil » ou « significative » de voyager à l'étranger ensemble ou sans l'autre parent (selon les circonstances raisonnables) afin de voir ses parents, frères et sœurs et la famille élargie. Et bien sûr, tout cela est dans l'intérêt supérieur de l'enfant du partenariat. 

Maintenant, étant donné que l'épouse peut croire le mari s'engage à leur relation et ne considère pas encore qu'il ait intention de ne pas regagner leur domicile conjugal, elle est plus que probablement disposée à consentir pour les vacances. 

Malheureusement pour la mère et l'enfant, le voyage se déroule. 

Inconnu à la fois, le parent qui a l'intention d'enlever a déjà éclos un bien pensée plan, y compris ce qui peut être nécessaire de garder l'enfant à l'étranger lors de la suppression des droits de l'autre parent à l'enfant à l'étranger. 

Tout est tromperie - et tout ce que doit être considéré. 

Par exemple : le mari peut expédier certaines affaires comme un berceau ou une poussette et autres éléments de l'enfant qui peut créer l'appearnace de l'autre parent savaient il déménageait - et a donné le consentement ! Ou bien, il aurait commencé à déplacer ses avoirs à l'étranger. 

Une fois à l'étranger avec sa femme et enfant, le serait-être le ravisseur peut faire des fausses accusations d'abus d'enfant ou pour conjoint (hommes et femmes prétendent abus en cas d'enlèvement prévu), des réclamations de consommation de drogues ou toute autre réclamation pouvant indiquer que l'enfant est en danger.

En déclarant que l'enfant est en danger, cela pourrait permettre un tribunal local à l'étranger pour lui accorder la garde immédiate de l'enfant - même si la compétence de l'enfant est dans le pays, ils sont nés et ont grandi. En outre, dans les cas où une demande de la Haye peut être déposée, le ravisseur a jeté au sol pour un Article 13 la défense (qui s'articule autour du meilleur intérêt de l'enfant). 

Si cela semble compliqué, il s'agit. 

Il est important pour les personnes mariées ou dans une relation avec des partenaires qui proviennent de pays non parties telles que celles qui se trouvent en Asie, Afrique et Moyen Orient pour comprendre que si vous voyagez aux nations situées dans ces zones et l'autre parent veut ne pas retourner l'enfant dans le pays de compétence en première instance, il y a de fortes chances qu'ils réussira à garder l'enfant à l'étranger... et votre interlocuteur sera limitée ou acquitté complètement. En outre, il est important de porter une attention particulière aux pays de la Convention de la Haye non conformes tels que l'Allemagne, du Brésil, Mexique et Pologne. 

Bien sûr, si jamais, vous prévoyez de voyager à l'étranger et ont été impliqués dans un suspecious ou une relation tendue, veuillez communiquer avec un avocat qui est familier avec la prévention de l'enlèvement parental international d'enfants. 

Bien que je ne suis pas un avocat, je vous conseille fortement que vous envisagez d'obtenir une ordonnance du Tribunal avant le voyage que l'enfant doit être retourné. Toutefois, n'oubliez pas - dans les pays qui ne sont pas parties aux traités internationaux concernant l'enlèvement ou ne satisfont pas à ces traités - si un enfant est emmené - il sera très coûteux et difficile d'amener votre enfant à la maison. 

Alors - si vous avez n'importe quel suspecion qui pourrait prévoir l'enlèvement - et cette période de l'année est la période de planification pour le nombre élevé d'enlèvements de vacances de Noël qui se produisent - demander l'avis d'un avocat qualifié - et ne laissez pas vos enfants voyagent à l'étranger dans toutes les circonstances. Faites attention aux signes avant-coureurs et agir maintenant!

La sensibilisation - la puissance d'un livre


Le drapeau américain
et
Citation du Sénat américain
Comme beaucoup le savent, je m'engage à non seulement accroître la sensibilisation au sujet de l'enlèvement d'enfants, mais par le biais I CARE Foundation je suis le Directeur fondateur de, je suis absolument déterminé à arrêter l'enlèvement en créant de nouvelles lois et policiies permettant d'empêcher l'enlèvement ou réunir les enfants qui ont été enlevés. Et, lorsque cela est possible, la Fondation pour les soins je ne ferai pas ce qui est nécessaire pour contribuer en toute sécurité et légalement un enfant à la maison - quelque chose nous l'avons fait à plusieurs reprises jusqu'à présent cette année. 

Je suis heureux de partager mon roman profondément inspiré Que Chasing The Cyclone continue d'avoir un impact significatif sur un nombre important et croissant d'enfants et de parents ciblés de l'enlèvement international. 

En fait, le cours naturel des événements à partir de la première publication de e-book de Chasing The Cyclone conduit à la création du autofinancé non-lucratif I CARE Foundation. Je suis heureux de partager que grâce aux efforts de la j'ai des dizaines de Fondation pour les soins des enfants qui ont soit été internationalement enlevés ou qui ont été la cible d'enlèvements internationaux ont soit été en toute sécurité réunis avec leur famille ou ont été effectivement protégés contre l'enlèvement et restent en toute sécurité la maison. 

C'est une déclaration assez importante si l'on considère que les efforts de réunification de bénévoles de la Fondation représente un nombre remarquable de tous les enfants américains qui sont venus chez.La vérité est, la majorité des enfants ne viendra jamais maison. Certains ne peuvent tout simplement peuvent : ils sont partis pour toujours.

Et ce sentiment n'est pas un morceau de fiction : c'est la réalité. Et c'est nul. Et il convient de se lever et se battre pour.
Auteur à succès
Peter Thomas Senese
Je pense que pour n'importe quel auteur, le plus grand objectif lors de l'écriture d'un livre est d'avoir un impact sur votre public cible.Le succès financier d'un livre est évidemment importante ;Cependant, le désir d'influencer les autres est l'intention réelle.

Et avec des dizaines d'enfants secouru ou protégé contre l'enlèvement jusqu'à ce jour, combinée avec les nombreuses initiatives I CARE Foundation est en cours qui permettra d'aider les autres, je suis heureuse avec un impact de Chasing The Cyclone jusqu'à présent. Mais il y a un long chemin à parcourir.
 
Après avoir vu personnellement les horreurs de l'enlèvement, je m'engage à continuer ce combat. Fort heureusement, les gouvernements de partout dans le monde sont d'avis du je travail de CARE Foundation - qui signifie que nous faisons une différence.
En fait, le mois dernier, j'ai eu la chance de participer dans le département d'État États-Unis des « International Visitor Leadership Program » à la Mission des États-Unis auprès des Nations Uniesconcernant l'avancée du travail de la Fondation dans l'enlèvement d'enfants et de prévention de trafic humaine. C'est un grand honneur, particulièrement lors de l'examen de certains des leaders mondiaux incroyables qui ont déjà participé au programme.

Incontestablement, la publication de "Chasing The Cyclone" a contribué à beaucoup de parents et d'enfants:nouvelles lois ont été adoptées, nouvelles politiques mises en œuvre, et de nouvelles dispositions législatives qui pourraient freiner l'enlèvement et le trafic est à l'horizon - enfants sont maison.
De gauche à droite
Chris Morris, Eugene Pothy &
J'ai soin fondateur Peter Thomas Senese

Mon engagement financier à l'i CARE Foundation et le soutien des efforts de l'ONU pour aider les enfants reste constant tant qu'il est partagé par j'ai membre du jury de soins, membre du réseau d'avocat de la Convention de la Haye et hautement respect avocat Joel Walter dans un article très gentil, il partage sur son site Internet. En fait, j'ai fait don de 100 % de l'ensemble des produits de mon roman divers l'an dernier à l'I CARE Foundation : c'est un engagement que j'ai l'intention de continuer (en dehors du mois de novembre, quand tous les profits seront versés pour aider les victimes de l'ouragan Sandy).
 
La possibilité d'aider I CARE Foundation a été une responsabilité de la mine qui, en vérité, a été unprivilège de défendre. Mais la vérité est, presque il y a sept ans, j'ai même jamais su l'enlèvement parental mots collective étaient. Ni que j'ai réalisé que je faisais partie d'un flambée nombre d'individus qui n'étaient pas familiers avec cette vonocular. Et franchement, à ce moment-là, la plupart des individus dans la société n'ont pas réalisé la gravité de ce crime ou ce qui passera par un parent chassant à ramener en toute sécurité leur enfant. Ni ils réalisa que tendances sociopathes d'un ravisseur abusive, qui, non seulement serait enlever un enfant, mais tenterait de diffamer et de diffamer la targted autre parent parce que le droit international a établi une faille connue comme la « défense de ravisseurs » (Convention de la Haye : Article 13) qui sais parent cible est à l'abri de. 

Pour vous informer sur l'impact de Chasing The Cyclone, Cliquez ici. Pour acheter Chasing The Cyclone, veuillez visiter Amazon ou BN.                                     

Surtout, si vous êtes dans une relation multi-culturelle et vous pensez qu'il peut y avoir une chance que votre conjoint ou partenaire, essayez d'enlever votre enfant au cours de la prochaine saison de vacances, veuillez faire attention aux informations que j'ai fournie. Enlèvement parental n'est que trois degrés de séparation d'avoir quelqu'un que vous connaissez. 
L'I CARE FOUNDATION
 


mercredi 7 novembre 2012

A Very Enlightening News Story About How Peter Thomas Senese and the I CARE Foundation Help Protect Children

Like every parent who has chased into the storms of international parental child abduction, I have been to He!! and back.  There is nothing that I can compare what it is like to be a chasing parent searching for your child.

During the time I was Chasing The Cyclone, I made a promise to do my best to help other parents and children targeted for abduction.  It is not easy to do because so many parents need help.  Also, it is important to be mindful who receives assistance. For example, I can't imagine helping a chasing parent who would beat the other parent ... and though this is not the norm by any means ... it has happened.

Nevertheless, the majority of targeted parents are victims of an evil and abusive plot by the other parent who uses a child's abduction in order to cause the other parent pain and suffering. 

Do these abductors realize what they are doing to the child they abuse?  NO. 

Recently the Examiner published a fairly detailed article about the I CARE Foundation and my efforts to help children fighting cancer or who are targeted for international parental child abduction. The published story has a theme that I appreciate outside of my advocacy work, and that is books really can and do make a big difference in our lives.  Chasing The Cyclone has done that for a large and growing number of parents.


I invite you to read the Examiner story.


In the meantime, I urge all parents, particularly those involved in multi-cultural relationships that show signs of previous or ongoing strain to remember that the Christmas Holiday Season is a hightened time of the year when children get internationally abducted.  Please do not think this issue is not important to you - most every parent who has had their child stolen by the other parent didn't feel it was important either; however, with as many as 125, 000 American and 20,000 Canadian children expected to be internationally abducted over the next 10 years - it is worth 2 minutes of your time to understand.
I invite you to read more about the Christmas Holiday Season and Child Abduction. 


To learn more about international parental child abduction please visit the offiical website of Chasing The Cyclone.

dimanche 4 novembre 2012

Author Peter Thomas Senese Announces Book Donations To Hurricane Sandy Victims

The devastation of Hurricane Sandy is so severe.  Yesterday, while out in Rockaway, I witnessed so many people struggleing just to get water.

There is no heat, no electricity, no food, limited transportation in certain areas . . . it is a war zone.

And hundreds of thousands of people need your help.

I will be donating 100% of my book earnings generated from the sale of my best-selling international geopolitical thrillers to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts with a focus on Long Beach, Rockaway Beach, Breezy Point, Gerritsan Beach, Staten Island, and communities on the New Jersey shore.
 
Please take the time to consider helping by picking up a copy or two of one of my novels today.  There are so many individuals that need help that are falling through the cracks.

 
 
Here is a more detailed article.

Peter Thomas Senese Donates 100% Of Book Revenue to Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts | A Word From Author Peter Thomas Senese#!/2012/11/peter-thomas-senese-donates-100-of-book.html

vendredi 26 octobre 2012

The United States of America Flag Flown Over The U.S. Capitol In Honor Of Peter Thomas Senese


"In Appreciation For Your Work With The I CARE Foundation And Model Citizenship"


It is a tremendous and humbling honor to receive this magestic United States Flag that was flown over the United States Capitol Building in my and the I CARE Foundation's honor due to our volunteer activism trying to help protect children and parents everywhere who are targets of international parental child abduction at the request of the United States Senate.


When I first found myself Chasing The Cyclone of international parental child abduction, I made a promise that one day I would try to help other parents and children who face abduction.  My desire to help first came in the form of writing Chasing The Cyclone, which critics have been very kind to.  It was from the power of a book that so much more occurred, including the creation of the not-for-profit I CARE Foundation.  In fact, the impact of Chasing The Cyclone has been beyond any of my initial hopes.
The I CARE Foundation's mission is expansive, but so too are the challenges children and parents face who are targets of abduction.
Over the course of this past year alone, the foundation has helped reunite numerous children of abudction with their chasing parents.  We have helped prevent a expotentially larger number of abductions.  We have helped build a pro bono network of lawyers committed to protecting children from abduction.  We have embarked upon a grassroots educational campaign to abduction awareness with the tremendous assistance of an incredible group of parenting bloggers.  We continue to conduct research in the area of international child abduction.  And we have worked hard at creating new laws and policies that will protect against international child kidnapping and trafficking.
Our successes have been meaningful; however, they remind us of just how much more has to be done in the name of children.  Equally, when I fly this flag, I am reminded of the incredible men and women advocates who came before me who fought to help protect children from abduction.  Collectively, it is through all of our voices rising up together that we are pushing back the mountain.
On a deeply personal note, one day I will pass this flag down to my son, who I love with all my heart.






jeudi 25 octobre 2012

Women Parenting Bloggers Come To Aid Of Children At Risk Of Abduction

There is a war going on to end the malignant beast known as international parental child abduction (IPCA).

For those of you who are not aware of IPCA, it is anticipated that there will be between 100,000 and 125,000 American and nearly 15,000 Canadian children internationally kidnapped over the next 10 years, with about 10% of these children ever coming home.

Think about it.

Fortunately, there is a growing grass-roots movement by an amazing group of women parenting bloggers that are assisting the I CARE Foundation by educating hundreds of thousands of other parents about the grave risk factors and warning signs of abduction.

The are inspiring, thoughtful, and clearly making a major difference.

I invite you to read about what they're doing because its pretty cool!

And if you happen to be one of the incredible ladies I am referring to - Thank You!

Peter Thomas Senese 

mardi 23 octobre 2012

A Highly Respect Police Officer Fights To Reunite With Internationally Abducted Child

A highly respected New York active duty police officer and former New York City firefighter is desperately fighting to reunite and safely bring home his internationally abducted child.

Tragically, CM had his young daughter abducted to Germany three years ago.  Until now, he has been quite about his and his child's fate as he attempted to navigate the legal channels available to him in order to safely bring her home . . . only to find that the remedies available to him were no remedy out all.

The ordeal CM has had to sustain, including having his daughter disappear from his life for nearly three years while mounting legal bills and expenses nearing $200,000.00 thus far in trying to reunite with his child is incredulous, yet indicative of what many chasing parents face.

But there is one big difference:  CM is a police officer living in New York City. And it means nothing.

Recently, I accompanied CM to Washington, DC and visited with senior policymakers in hope to gain some proper assistance for CM. We're hopeful something will break . .
.
I invite you to read about CM and his struggle to protect his at-risk child kidnapped overseas.  CM is one of the good guys . . . he is a man every parent would hope their child turned out to be like.
If you are a reporter interested in learning more about CM, please feel free to contact me at peter@stopchildabduction.org. Please visit the official website of Peter Thomas Senese's Chasing The Cyclone for more information on international parental child abduciton.

According to the highly respected I CARE Foundation, there could be as many as 100,000 and 125,000 American children and as many as 20,000 Canadian children internationally kidnapped over the next 10 years.

That means that each person is 3 degrees from separation from knowing a parent who has had a child internationally kidnapped.

mercredi 17 octobre 2012

I CARE Foundation Lawyer Joel Walter: Peter Thomas Senese's Donations To Help Protect Children Are Substantial

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
     Published 2:30 p.m.     
     October 17th, 2012                     
     Los Angeles, CA    

In an ongoing effort to help protect children from international parental child abduction, best-selling author and child advocate Peter Thomas Senese, the author of several internationally heralded novels including 'Chasing The Cyclone', 'The Den of the Assassin', and 'Cloning Christ' has donated 100% of his e-book royalties to the International Child Abduction Research and Enlightenment Foundation ( known as the I CARE Foundation), a New York based not-for-profit organization he is the founding director of that was created to help stop international child abduction.  In addition, to his donation stemming from his writing, Peter Senese has continued to provide additional financial support to the foundation in an effort to support its various activities.

 New York City based attorney Joel Walter, a board member of the I CARE Foundation who has been practicing complex family law for nearly 40 years commented about Mr. Senese ongoing support to help protect children of abduction when he said, "Mr. Senese's continual financial support and dedication to children through his generous financial support of the I CARE Foundation has had a great influence on so many lives. It is with generous support such as what Peter has previously provided, what he continues to provide, and his honorable pledge for future support that the foundation, in part, has been able to create more than a few miracles. For example, as some of you may not be aware of, legally reuniting with a child wrongfully detained in Africa, and safely creating a path to bring that child or children back home to the United States is a very difficult task. One that has not happened too often in the grave world of international child abduction. In fact, It is a rarity.  There are numerous cases like this from all around the world.  The majority of which are not publicly mentioned due to the nature and severity of the situation . . . but they exist, and I know this first-hand because of my role with the foundation. In fact, I have said often that any person out there trying to help children is doing God's work.  And I strongly and undeniably say that about my wonderful friend Peter Thomas Senese. He asks for nothing, gives so much of his time, his money, his spirit, and his knowledge in hope of protecting others who can't defend themselves.  In the process, he never speaks poorly about anyone, but instead is the eternal optimist. Again - he's doing God's work. Along the way, Peter Thomas Senese's leadership and financial support of the I CARE Foundation has been extremely generous. His gifting comes from not only the direct donation of sales from his novels, but also directly from his own resources. Some  may not know this, but I will never forget when Peter was forced into the storms of abduction - I was there from the beginning and was the first person he turned to when we filed his own Hague Convention application- he said he would do his best to make a difference in this fight to help children.  It was a fight I quickly joined him on. And so, our work continues years later in great part initially because Peter was willing to step up to make a difference.  Something he continues to do."
Peter Thomas Senese's geopolitical novels include CHASING THE CYCLONE, THE DEN OF THE ASSASSIN, and CLONING CHRIST. All three titles are available in E-book. Chasing The Cyclone will be released in hardcover this Christman, while both CLONING CHRIST and THE DEN OF THE ASSASSIN are presently available in hardcover.
"It has been extremely pleasing to know that my writing has served a higher purpose: to help protect children.  Fortunately, I have had the means to make a difference in this fight. Additionally, it has been incredible to see, as an author, the incredible impact of Chasing The Cyclone . . . so much started from the idea of a book.  That seed has grown into the I CARE Foundation, which I am thrilled to be a part of. My support of the foundation will continue to the best of my ability," added Senese.
To purchase Peter's books, please visit Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

lundi 1 octobre 2012

I CARE Foundation and Peter Thomas Senese Prevent Child Abduction Video Series



In my capacity as a writer, producer, child advocate, and founding director of the I CARE Foundation, I am fully aware that one of the most important challenges facing society when it comes to international  parental child kidnapping is raising awareness and and obtaining accurate information.

In order to help other parents as well as stakeholders dedicated to assisting targeted children and their parents, I have created the 'Chasing Parents' educational documentary film series that addresses key issues associated with IPCA.

There is nothing fancy here - just me - a father who found himself Chasing The Cyclone of international child abduction and decided to do something about it so others could learn from my experienes - going over information that will help you not only understand many issues related to IPCA, but issues that may either help you protect an at-risk child or help bring a kidnapped child home.

Before I go any further, I want to be very specific and say that international parental child abduction is the federal crime of kidnapping in the United States as well as in Canada and many other nations. It is a form of severe child abuse and child neglect.

In viewing these documentary films, please know I am not an attorney, and the subject matter presented is based on my opinion.

In my capacity as the founding director of the I CARE Foundation, as well as a best-selling author and writer who has a high concentration of published material extensively distributed concerning abduction, I do believe you will find what I share in this video series to be informative and citeable.

A special thanks is extended to my fellow I CARE Foundation board member Carolyn Vlk, writer of the unanimously passed, ground-breaking Florida CAPA law, along with many research publications on child abduction.  Carolyn is a co-producer and writer of this video series.

As for the number of children and parents we have helped, there have been many.  I believe this is our great responsibility.  I think we all have a responsibility to help one another.

Please visit the I CARE Foundation's website to learn more about the foundation's work.


Please check on the official website of Chasing The Cyclone or the official website of Peter Thomas Senese for more information.

I hope the material contained herein has been helpful to you.

Lastly, if you are a parent considering to illegally remove your child from the country or wrongfully detain the child in another country, please do not.  Consider writing to me personally at the I CARE Foundation: whatever your issues and concerns are, there can be alternative resolutions other than abducting.http://newyorkattorneyjoelwalter.blogspot.com/2012/09/author-peter-thomas-senese-makes.html

                                                                      CHASING PARENTS 


                 Part I - International Parental Child Abduction Overview by Peter Thomas Senese

         
         Part II - Warning Signs Of International Parental Child Abduction  by Peter Thomas Senese

             
              Part III - International Parental Child Abduction In Progress by Peter Thomas Senese

     
                          Part IV - Reunification & International Parental Child Abduction
                                                                  by Peter Thomas Senese


                  Part V - International Parental Child Abduction Overview by Peter Thomas Senese


              Part VI - New Laws, Policy Modification & Reforms Needed To Protect Children From  
                                International Parental Child Abduction by Peter Thomas Senese



                                           Part VII - The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative &
               International Parental Child Abduction and Human Trafficking by Peter Thomas Senese




vendredi 21 septembre 2012

Same Sex Unions and Marriages: The New Frontier of International Parental Child Abduction

Gay & Lesbian Unions:
An Increase In International Parental Child Abduction Cases

  By

As same-sex partnerships, unions, and marriages become more commonly visible as an integral part of our society,  the I CARE Foundation has been contacted by numerous parents of these unions who have expressed concern surrounding their particular partnership’s failure and how the end of their relationship may impact the child or children of the relationship, particularly when one of the partnering parents desires to remove the other partnering parent from the child or children’s lives, and relocate to another state or country.
In another set of words, what I am referring to is 'Inter-State or International Parental Child Abduction'.


On occasions, the communication exchanges the I CAREFoundation receives include queries by a parent seeking insight concerning issues such as jurisdiction, parent-rights, mobility, relocation, and tragically – though not directly stated – legal defenses on interstate or international abduction should a parent be inclined to violate a court order pertaining to parental rights (I offer a heart-felt plea to those who are considering illegal removal of a child: I speak from experience as a chasing parent - please do not do this. The ramifications on your child will be severe).

Obviously, the challenges all children face during divorce or separation are harsh.  When one of the child’s parent’s attempts to break the child’s bond with their other parent, including relocating from one state to another, or in certain cases, relocating without permission to another country (this is abduction), the challenges and hardship that child faces grows exponentially.  Clearly, in all child custody cases, the longer the litigation takes the more strain that is placed on an innocent, defenseless child of a failed relationship.  Unfortunately, there exists a new frontier in family law: how local, federal, and international courts uphold the rights of children to both of their parents in failed gay and lesbian legal unions and marriages.  To say that a legal minefield exists, would be an understatement.

Tragically, in cases of high-conflict separation that include issues of jurisdiction and the upholding of a non-biological ‘birthing’ parent’s rights, the conflict can become extreme.  Everyone suffers. The child suffers. The former partners suffer. And from what I have seen, the pain and anguish for all is extraordinary.

In my capacity as the Founding Director of the not-for-profit International Child Abduction Research & Enlightenment Foundation (the “I CARE Foundation”), our foundation has seen and assisted numerous high-conflict families challenged by issues of both mobility and abduction.  Our activity includes conducting extensive research in the area of child custody and cross-border conflict, working to create (successfully) new laws and government policies directed to help protect children from cross-border conflict, and when possible, assisting in the reunification of internationally kidnapped children.

These cases are never easy. 

In reflection, when I think of the hardships involved in any case concerning mobility or child abduction regardless if we’re addressing a heterosexual or homosexual partnership, the reality is all parties involved face severe emotional, spiritual, and financial hardship no words could ever accurately express.


However, it appears that children caught in the cross-hairs of gay or lesbian partnership custody disputes where there are contested questions of mobility or risk of abduction, or an actual instance of abduction face potentially greater hardship than heterosexual partnerships because of the legal minefield of litigation their parents must navigate through due a wide range of legal issues, including but not limited to questions revolving around local, federal, and at times, international law (or lack of laws and policies) that is specific to same-sex unions.

So if you are a mother or father who is involved in a child custody dispute that originates from a same-sex union, remember that the longer the litigation goes on, the more your child will suffer because litigation of any kind does have a direct, ugly impact on the lives of all involved.  

Now, I do not have my head in the clouds and think that all separations will end amicably.  

However, sharing my birds-eye view of witnessing some of the most difficult, extreme high-conflict family disputes, many involving international litigation, I can undeniably attest that in all of these cases, it is the child who will always suffer no matter what any of the child’s parents thinks (obviously cases of abuse are the exception and should never be tolerated under any circumstance).


Recently, I have been following Erik Eckholm’s of the New York Times fascinating, yet heart-breaking coverage of the story of ten year old Isabella Miller-Jenkins. 

The young girl has two mothers and is the product of a same-sex union that took place in Vermont between Ms. Lisa Miller and Ms. Janet Jenkins in 2002. Isabella was conceived by Ms. Lisa Miller in 2002. The coupled separated in 2003. 

However, since 2009, the child has been living the life of a fugitive in impoverished Nicaragua with one of her mother’s, Ms. Lisa Miller, who under American law, is considered to be a fugitive and an abducting mother now wanted for international abduction.

Unfortunately for Ms. Jenkins, Nicaragua is not a signatory country of the Hague Convention on theCivil Aspects of International Child Abduction, and legal reach under international law appears to be limited.

According to Mr. Eckholm’s New York Times coverage, Ms. Miller no longer desired to allow Janet Jenkins any contact with their daughter Isabella. Since the former couple’s separation, Ms. Miller apparently violated Ms. Jenkin’s rights of custody on numerous occasions that were previously established under Vermont law and upheld in Virginia (where Ms. Miller relocated with Isabella). 

So three years ago, in another act to separate Isabella from Ms. Jenkins, Ms. Miller decided to flee the United States and relocate to Nicaragua without Ms. Jenkins knowledge or permission.

Like the vast majority of international parental child abductions, Ms. Miller had a great deal of help. 

You see, Ms. Miller sought and received the assistance of Mr. Kenneth Miller, the leader of the conservative Beachy Amish Mennonite Church of Stuarts Draft, Virginia.

Under the religious beliefs of the Amish Mennonite, gay and lesbian life is a sin, and apparently Ms. Miller embraced this idea during the child custody dispute she had with Ms. Jenkins.

So it appears that perhaps, and I say this with some reservation, that the possibility exists that Ms. Miller may have adapted a condemnation of her lesbian lifestyle she previously shared with Ms. Jenkins in order to defend against the criminal act of abduction and her desire to not obey a Vermont judges court orders regarding Ms. Jenkin’s access and co-parenting of Isabella once the couple separated prior to the abduction.

Of course, it is conceivable that Ms. Miller actually now believes that her anti-gay or lesbian lifestyle is correct and in accord with her new found Christian beliefs?


However, what is of interest is how religion or persecution for following your religious beliefs will inevitably be used to defend against the act of international parental child abduction by a taking parent.

Today, from what I understand, the child Isabella remains on the run, living a life of a fugitive in Nicaragua (or perhaps someplace else) with Lisa Miller, while the child’s other mother, Ms. Janet Jenkins, continues to seek legal remedy to have her rights of parenthood that were established under Vermont law, and upheld in Virginia enforced.  I would imagine Ms. Jenkins is also deeply concerned about how her daughter is holding up considering that she is being wrongfully detained by Ms. Miller.

According to numerous child psychologist, the Isabella could be seen as a prisoner of a fugitive parent who has been highly abused and neglected, as child abduction is considered child abuse.

Is Ms. Miller using religion and new-found religious beliefs as the basis for her to continue to flee, or could it be possible that Ms. Miller has actually rejected all things connected with a gay or lesbian lifestyle and actually believes living a same-sex lifestyle to be sinful?

Is Isabella safe, or is the life she has had to live for the past three years had a deep and troubling influence on her, and if so, can the impact be reversed or treated?

As for the Beachy Amish Mennonite Church leader Kenneth Miller, he was found guilty of abetting an international parental childkidnapping this past August and is facing up to three years in federal prison.  Mr. Miller’s sentencing date has not yet been determined.

As for the legal issues that present themselves in this case, it is going to be interesting to see if Ms. Miller will be able to remain outside of the United States and the reach of law established by its courts.  Of course it is also going to be interesting to see how a parent’s religion and sexual orientation will be viewed from country to country with respect to international parental child abduction cases.

For example, in cases where a child is abducted to a Hague signatory nation, will a parent who once lived a gay or lesbian lifestyle who had a child from a same-sex union seek protection for an act of abduction under Article 13 B of the Hague Convention by making a claim in a country they abduct their child to that they are unable to receive fair treatment under the laws of the child’s nation of original jurisdiction based upon religion and how their religious beliefs juxtaposes itself with their past or present sexual orientation.

Is the situation for Isabella and other children of abduction who will come after Isabella a mess?

You bet it is. All international parental child abductions are terrible.


Did Ms. Lisa Miller really reject her lesbian lifestyle or is she using her newly embraced Mennonite religious beliefs to push away Ms. Janet Jenkins from Isabella’s life?

I don’t think anyone really knows.

However, one thing cannot be dismissed in cases of international parental child abduction, and that is that in many of these cases, the taking parent carefully creates a plan of abduction that is well thought out, and typically involves the assistance of others. 

Lisa Miller’s abduction of Isabella was certainly well thought out and she was certainly aided as demonstrated by the conviction of Mr. Miller for aiding in Isabella’s abduction.

Again – it is a mess and one terrible tragedy for this innocent child – who remains on the run . . . perhaps in Nicaragua or perhaps someplace else.

Of course there is the argument presented by Ms. Lisa Miller and her supporters that she was acting to protect her daughter from a gay and lesbian lifestyle that she no longer participated in and rejected as sinful.

Not too long ago, one of my pals whom I have been very close friends with for all of my adult life recently separated from his partner.  Together, these two wonderful fathers, ‘Dad’ and ‘Papa’, raised one incredible little girl together who I am convinced will one day have a far-reaching and positive impact on our wonderful world.  Dad and Papa were the definition of two loving, dedicated, kind, nurturing, and caring parents.

Then something happened, and the relationship came to an end.

Did the relationship end because of some ungodly act by one of the men? No.

The relationship ended because their needs and expectations of one another and what they desired from life had changed.

Was there hurt and anger?

Of course, particularly by the father who did not want the relationship to end.

So, what did that upset father do?

He decided at first that since he had some legal leverage associated with the young daughter both fathers raised, that he was going to relocate to another state and severely limit the other father’s rights of custody on their daughter.

And in fact, that is exactly what happened.

Sadly, the relocation occurred without the other father knowing.

And as you may imagine, the situation became rather ugly. Then uglier.

Caught in the cross-hairs was their little daughter who I would often take to the Magnolia Bakery for a “perfect cupcake.”

And my heart broke for my little friend who was more interested in Dora The Explorer and Cinderella than the fighting that took place between her two fathers, who mind you – are both truly remarkable, amazing, loving individuals.

But these child custody cases – they sure know can make anyone look terrible.

I will never forget that while my two friends volleyed in a sea of nasty litigation (that cost them such an enormous amount of EVERYTHING), I had the opportunity of visiting the parent who had relocated with their daughter four months after the initial separation.

It was my first visit since their unexpected relocation.

As you may imagine there was a great deal of frustration that was vented by this particular father (similar to the other father). He shared his feelings about the failed relationship, what was best for his daughter, what was best for him, and the awful litigation that took place.

As we spent the late morning together, I sensed that my friend had a little sense of paranoia that perhaps I came to visit him in my capacity as a director of the I CARE Foundation. 

This was not the case, as I expressed that I came to visit because he too was my friend, and that I was concerned about the overall ugliness that was depleting so much from his daughter’s family’s life.

The key words being that both the young girl had a family: a ‘Dad’ and a ‘Papa’, and that no matter what would occur, both ‘Dad’ and ‘Papa’ were loved by their child, and that as this lovely child’s fathers, they had an incredible responsibility to stop their feuding and to truly act like the remarkable, compassionate, understanding, brave, courageous, and intelligent individuals they were.

Well, as there was a long history between us, one that included my friend knowing I am very direct, my words were accepted.

So too was my suggestion.

I asked my friend if he would excuse himself from the room (and make us lunch) so that I could talk to his daughter alone. I also suggested that he hear the truth of her heart, and asked him to listen in so he could hear my conversation.

And that is exactly what happened.

What was heard?

This little amazing girl just six years old shared that she missed both of her fathers and loved both of them very much.  Remarkably, she understood that parents get divorced sometimes. But she said that even when parents do not live together any more, they should be nice to one another. Real nice.  And she also said that she was taught that her family was different than other families. That her family was really special.  Super Special. Then she said that they weren’t acting really special.  Then she asked me why her ‘Dad’ and ‘Papa’ would lie to her and say that she was part of a special family, when they were so mean to one another?

Now let me say this. Her words about how special her family was resounded within like Quasimodo’s Notre Dame’ bells would cover Paris. 

Indeed her two fathers were both incredibly special individuals. As I saw and still see it, they were brave in saying to the world, “this is who I am” and living the life they each believed in. They were both caring and compassionate and active members of their micro and macro communities. They were successful. They had many friends. And they were incredible – no incredibly ridiculous – as in amazing – fathers.

And somehow these incredible parents, these incredible individuals . . . forgot how incredible they were.

Now as you can imagine, my friend who was in the kitchen hearing my conversation with his daughter realized what his daughter was saying: that it’s okay to not live with my other father, but remember, we’re still a very special family because the two of you are both very special, and the two of you – your my ‘Dad’ and my ‘Papa’, and you have to continue to be special because of me.

I must say, that later that afternoon, after his daughter decided to take a little nap, my friend said something to me that I think is truly remarkable.  And I wrote it down. 

This is what he said. “Sometimes it is easy to forget how special we are.  Raising a daughter as a gay couple requires being special – and holding ourselves more accountable to one another, even in separation for our child’s sake.”

Fast forward four months from the time of that conversation and a true, sound parenting plan was created and actually was working, and working well. Both fathers – my friends – were peacefully and civilly rebuilding the trust that was necessary so they could in fact continue to be the special persons they were.  The healing had begun . . . and in fact the healing really started as soon as the messy, ugly litigation stopped.  In fact, they live in the same town and in the same community (again).  They have embraced the wonderment of being fathers – their daughter’s ‘Dad’ and ‘Papa’.

And though my little friend does not live with both of her fathers at the same time, she is being raised by both of them, and she does see each of them equally, and regularly.

And thank God peace, friendship, and good parenting is prevailing.

As I write this, I can’t help but think how my two wonderful friends acted with great courage and bravery and love for their daughter and found a way – to act in their love of their daughter.

Before I go, I would like to simply say that the nasty  litigation that occurred between my two friends was not necessary.  And they will be the first ones to say this.

But sometimes, when in the midst of child custody cases, parents can get sucked into the vortex of the cyclone of litigation. 

When they do, it is easy to forget the good things you are litigating about: the love and rights of your child.

Breaking the magnetic pull of continuing to litigate is not an easy task. It takes courage. It takes fair play. It takes putting your ego in check. And it takes acting in fairness for your child.

And it may not be easy to do.

But it can be done.  And your child or children will be much better off if you do.

Of course this is not to say that working things out in order to co-parent is easy.  Each separation has its own challenges, and as I stated, it appears that child custody cases regarding mobility present an even harder burden onto the child.

I would like to add this: please remember that open and honest dialogue is always the best choice if your choice revolves around what is best for your child or children.

So in parting, I would like to share that all child custody cases concerning mobility and/or abduction cause extreme hardship on children of the relationship, and this is particularly true in same-sex partnerships in part due to the challenges in law all parties must face.  If at all possible, try to mediate your differences reasonably, fairly, and respectfully with one another, and remember . . . you do not have to be a biological birth-giver, regardless if you are gay or straight, to be one great, loving parent.

One last thing . . . Thanks B and Z for letting me share a part of your story. I am very proud of the two of you  . . . and so happy for your daughter.