CHRISTMAS AND INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION: HAGUE SECRETARY GENERAL PRAISES THE I CARE FOUNDATION'S GROUNDBREAKING TRAVEL CONSENT FORM TO STOP GLOBAL ABDUCTION

Global citizenship is something that is embraced by so many people in today's society.  Individuals from different countries that travel abroad and many times these individuals meet someone and enter into a relationship that results in a child... our most precious gift.  Relationships today can have a lot of challenges and unfortunately many end in separation or divorce.  When a multi-cultural relationships ends this way it is not uncommon for the non-national individual to want to take the child and permanently relocate back to their country of origin.  However, it is not unrealistic to think that the other parent is not going to allow this to happen, so all too often the parent that is wanting to leave creates an elaborate plan that enables them to illegally remove the child from the country despite any court orders or the other parent's wishes.  This is the nightmare that is the world of international parental child abduction.

The Christmas holiday season brings about a dramatic increase in the international parental child abduction cases around the world.  Would-be abducting parents will use the holidays as a time to implement their schemes that they have been planning for weeks or even months.  Sadly, most targeted parents are not aware that these schemes are underway until it's too late.  It is imperative that we do everything that we can to ensure children are protected from abduction because the reality is, that children of abduction, regardless if they are taken by a stranger or a parent, are emotionally, spiritually, and often severely physically abused.  Once a child is kidnapped there is no guarantee that they will be coming home. Too many children never come home: they can't. They're gone forever.

In order to protect against international child abduction schemes that revolve around the wrongful detention of a child, the I CARE Foundation has created the International Travel Child Consent Form.  With an estimated 85% of all international parental abductions dealing with a child being wrongful detained in a foreign country, it is geared at potentially preventing the majority of these types of parental kidnappings.

In the short time that this ground-breaking abduction prevention tool has been in use, not only has it made an enormous impact in the world of international child abduction, but it has also been acknowledged by major child abduction prevention stakeholders around the world, including Hague Conference on Private International Law Secretary General Mr. Christophe Bernasconi, who stated:

"I have had the possibility to look at the travel form and must say that I am impressed: this is the most comprehensive document of its kind that I have seen so far and there is little doubt in my mind that this is a most valuable and important effort to prevent child abduction. I applaud your efforts and wish to congratulate you and your team . . . It is really impressive to see how quickly your international travel child consent form has started to yield practical results and how well you monitor its operation - this really is remarkable."

Peter Thomas Senese, the I CARE Foundation's Executive Director, reports on the success of the Travel Consent Form thus far:

To the best of our knowledge, since the creation of the I CARE Foundation's International Travel Child Consent Form, all children traveling abroad from Hague Convention signatory countries who were expected to return to their country of original jurisdiction have come home. There have actually been several cases where one parent initially refused to sign the International Travel Child Consent Form, and in each of those cases, the overseeing judge would not permit travel.  At that point additional measures were put into place in order to prevent a future parental abduction.

It is critical for all parents who are allowing a child to travel abroad to understand is that there are numerous traps and schemes that a would-be abductor will use in order to legally keep a child abroad. Most of these schemes revolve around Articles 12 and 13 of the Hague Convention of the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Defending against these potential strategies is critical. It is the thrust of the I CARE Foundation's International Travel Child Consent Form.  And with tens of thousands of children around the world targeted for international parental abduction each year, our travel consent form may be the most effective tool that could help prevent abduction or help return a child to their country of original jurisdiction under the spirit of Article 2 of the Hague Convention.

For those parents that are allowing or are required to allow a child to travel to a foreign country need to strongly consider having the other parent sign the International Travel Child Consent Form.  Should that parent not be willing to, this is a very serious warning sign that they may be planning an abduction.

While we are on the topic of warning signs, knowing the WARNING SIGNS of international parental child abduction, as well as knowing what to do if an international parental child abduction is in progress is vital in being able to protect children from international abduction. The truth is, all parents should be aware of the these things, but If you should happen to be a parent in a high-conflict relationship, especially if your partner has ties abroad, you would be considered in a category of extreme risk.

For at risk parents... those parents that are involved in child custody disputes, separation or divorce... you must be proactive in protecting your children.  Often, parents that are involved in international child custody disputes and who may be targeted for abduction think that their child is best protected from abduction when there is a court agreement in place for the child to return if the other parent is granted travel.  The truth is that unless there is an International Travel Child Consent Form that has immediate ramifications attached to it, the parent and child targeted for abduction are at serious risk. 

Hague Conference Secretary General Christophe Bernasconi Urges Parents To Use The International Travel Child Consent Form To Protect Children From Abduction:

While the winter holiday season is often one which presents many opportunities for festive family celebrations, it is also a period in which sadly more parental child abductions occur. As a result, it is more important than ever to take steps to prevent the wrongful removal of children so that abductions which are covered by the Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction do not occur in the first place.

Prevention can be achieved in several ways. For example, when one parent intends to travel with his or her child without the other parent, the other parents consent to the travel should first be obtained. One of the ways a parent can demonstrate that they have the approval of the other non-travelling parent is by having him or her sign a clear, comprehensive travel consent form which includes a statement that the non-travelling parent agrees to the travel but also that the child is to return to his/her place of habitual residence on or before a specific date. A model travel consent form for this purpose has recently been developed by the I CARE Foundation and is, I understand, already widely used by parents in various jurisdictions. Use of the I CARE Foundation's comprehensive Hague-centric travel form that addresses key aspects of the Hague Child Abduction Convention pertaining to a child's international travel are central to protecting against a child's wrongful retention abroad.  The I CARE Foundation's International Travel Child Consent form and similar comprehensive models deserve further encouragement so as to prevent child abduction and perhaps even limit instances of child trafficking in general.

The Hague Conference on Private International Law, the Secretariat for the Hague Child Abduction Convention, wishes the I CARE Foundation and its constituents a happy holiday season and hopes that precautions such as the one described above are able to prevent unnecessary anxiety and trauma for parents and children who are affected by holiday travel plans.

With Best Wishes,
Christophe Bernasconi, Secretary General
The Hague Conference on Private International Law

A recent press release regarding the International Travel Child Consent Form not only shares the support from Secretary General Bernasconi but also other top lawyers and judges from around the world.  You can view this release HERE.

A Parental Abductor's Scheme:

As part of a would-be abducting parent's scheme, their lives become filled with deceit.  As part of their elaborate plan for abduction, the would-be abducting parent may create a facade of being happily married and committed to their relationship, all while planning on how to get the child abroad.

A common scenario might be for the would-be abductor to state that it would be nice if they could travel to their country of origin for what might appear to be a family vacation to visit a sibling or parents over the holidays.  When the family arrives in the foreign country, the would-be abducting parent may file false claims of abuse and neglect against the other parent.  Once this is done, they notify the other parent that they and the child will not be returning back to the country of original jurisdiction.  At this point, the targeted parent is generally forced to return back home without their child where they then need to seek legal assistance.

Multiple studies have shown that an unprecedented number of abductions have occurred where one parent took action to deprive the other parent of contact with their child. The majority of abducting parents typically use the child as a tool to cause the targeted parent great pain and suffering. Their intent is simple: to make the other parent suffer as much as possible by depriving that targeted parent with the love and connection to their own child. Nearly every published study on this subject has concluded that an abducting parent has significant, and typically, long-term psychological problems and may in fact be a danger to their child.

This is the reality for hundreds of  thousands of families.  However, we can stop parental abduction.  Awareness is the key.

Protecting Children: U.S. Abduction Rates Decline & Abduction Prevention Programs

The I CARE Foundation commenced formal operations in 2011 with the mission to protect children from abduction.  Since that time there has been a dramatic decline in the rate of reported abductions originating from the United States.  The fact of the matter is we are not alone in our efforts, however there is no question that our outreach efforts have made a incredible impact on the lives of the families that we have voluntarily assisted.

In 2011 it was forecasted that there would be a 25% increase in the abduction rate, but in reality, the reported rate of U.S. outbound abductions declined by over 15%. The following year, 2012, had the actual reported abduction rate drop by over 16%.  What is most remarkable here is that these declines come after nearly 30 years of growth in the international parental child abduction rate. It is anticipated that we will see another significant decline in the abduction rates for 2013.

Although worldwide abduction rates have not been reported since 2008, this has little to do with the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference, but instead a failure by signatory countries to report their inbound and outbound abduction rate. However, it is believed that the global rate of abduction continues to steadily climb out disturbing rates. With the worldwide launch and utilization of the I CARE Foundation's International Travel Child Consent Form, there is the expectation that the actual global rate of abduction will start to decline.

There are two programs that are available to U.S. parent citizens that may aid in the prevention of their U.S. child citizen from being internationally abducted.  

The Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP) is one of the Department of State's most important tools for preventing international parental child abduction. Parents are able to register their U.S. citizen children under the age of 18 in the Passport Lookout System.  If at some point a passport application is submitted for a child that is registered in the CPIAP, the Department of State contacts and alerts the parent(s).  This system provides the parent(s) with advance warning of possible plans for international travel with the child.

The Charleston Passport Center is responsible for administering the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program:

U.S. Department of State
Passport Services, Charleston Passport Center
Attn: Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program
1269 Holland Street, Building D
Charleston, SC 29405

E-mail: ChildrensPassports@state.govPhone: 1-888-407-4747
Fax: 843-746-1827

The Prevent Departure Program (PDP) is another critical tool used in the fight to protect children from international abduction.  In the past, American parents at risk of having a child illegally removed from the United States had to deal with the reality that it was extremely difficult to stop an international child abduction if the other parent possessed a right of American citizenship (sole or dual citizenship). Part of the problem is that the United States has limited exit controls and government published information regarding programs that could be utilized to stop international parental child abduction such as the Prevent Departure Program require a suspected international parental child abductor to not have a right of American Citizenship, among a host of other requirements.

Today, parents who are at risk of having a child internationally abducted by a parent who possesses citizenship to the United States of America or who has dual citizenship may be able to protect their children from abduction.

If you should happen to be an at-risk parent that believes your child's other parent is planning or is in the process of an international parental abduction, please contact the United States Department of State's Office of Children's Issues Abduction Prevention Bureau to discuss potential measures that may be available to you to ensure the individual parent suspected of an international child abduction threat does not illegally depart the United States and remove your child in violation of a court order or in breach of your right of custody.

Similarly, be sure to contact the Office of Children's Issues Prevention Bureau to discuss if there are potential prevention techniques unique to your case that may allow the Department of State to work with other federal agencies so to secure your child is not a victim of international parental child abduction.

Individuals that are seeking the assistance of the Department of State and the implementation of the Prevent Departure Program should make sure that they have the following information ready to submit to the Office of Children's Issues:

1. Full name, date, place of birth of Potential taking parent.
2. Full name, date, place of birth of Potential left behind parent (and PLBP’s contact info, including a surface address).
3. Passport number and issuing country (if available, and not U.S.) for both parents.
4. Full name of child.
5. Date, place of birth of child.
6. U.S. passport number of child.
7. Passport number and issuing country of any dual national passport of child (if available).
8. Copy of court order with travel restrictions.
9. Full contact details, including a 24/7 phone and email (to email court documents, we do not have after hours fax access), for law enforcement contact.
10. Details of potential travel plans.

To contact the Department of State's Office of Children's Issues Prevention Bureau please contact:

The United States Department of State
Office Of Children's Issues
Abduction Prevention Bureau
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Phone: 1-888-407-4747   or   202-501-4444
Email: prevention@state.gov

To contact the I CARE Foundation concerning abduction matters please email us at legal@stopchildabduction.org. 

Outside of the I CARE Foundation's International Travel Child Consent Form, the United States government and agencies such as the Department of State continue their remarkable work attempting to protect children from international parental child abduction.

In fact, it is estimated that the Department of State successfully requests placement of 8-10 individuals on the Prevent Departure Program each and every month while also overseeing an estimated 60 applications for the Passport Issuance Alert Program.  The work that the Department of State does with these programs has played a major role in the 15% and 16% decline in international parental child abduction rates during the past two years.

According to a recent report from the Department of Justice, children who are kidnapped by a parent face severe physical abuse... but not only that, they are also put at an extreme risk of being murdered by their own parent.

In fact, Dr. Phillip Resnick, the Director of Forensic Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland stated in an article that was published by the Denver Post a few years ago about parental child killing, “Historically, one out of 33 homicides is a parent killing a child younger than 18.” Dr. Resnick, who conducted a study on filicide in 2005 states “Filicide, the deliberate act of a parent killing his or her own child, is the third-leading cause of death in American children ages 5 to 14.”

Filicide, a parent murdering their own child!  This is certainly not a topic that anyone would like to discuss but we really need to. We need to bring awareness to something that is so unbelievably horrific!  According to the Denver Post reports, “Researchers estimate 250 to 300 children are murdered by their parents each year in the U.S.  Filicide occurs everywhere.  It is definitely not a phenomenon isolated within American borders.  Simply put, parents do kill children!  And we can’t put our head in the sand and think this does not exist.

Parental child abduction is a serious crime.  When a child is abducted they must be immediately considered to be in great danger!

Peter Thomas Senese: Testimonials Regarding His Work Helping Children and Families In Crisis

Clearly, protecting children from parental abduction requires an indefatigable commitment to stand unbowed so children and their families may never know the nightmare that is the world of international abduction.  Peter Thomas Senese has proven time and again that he is deeply committed to his goal of preventing child abduction.

There are numerous sworn testimonial letters from individuals regarding the advocacy and volunteer work that Peter does each and every day.  Many of these letters are related to recovering and bringing home children who were abducted or who were targeted for abduction, however there are also several letters that share his deep desire for helping others who may be facing severe medical issues.

Ultimately, each one of these sworn letters shares not only a little insight, but also a unique perspective of who Peter Thomas Senese is.

Not only is ‘Chasing The Cyclone’ educating others about the crisis at hand, a call-to-arms accurately fitting the bill, but it is a story that’s publication has had a major impact on society. Specifically, Peter Thomas Senese has donated 100% of his book royalties to the I CARE Foundation, a not-for-profit child abduction prevention organization that is doing some truly remarkable things to help protect children and parents targeted for abduction.

Unquestionably, Mr. Senese has taken a great leadership role in the area of child abduction prevention as exemplified by the numerous widely distributed research studies he has authored . . . Mr. Senese’s leadership put forth in creating a national network of attorneys willing to come to the aid of parents and children targeted for abduction is remarkable.

A week after my son's abduction, I contacted Peter Thomas Senese, as he is well respected in the world of international child abduction prevention.  Peter told me that I needed to be patient, and that it may take a few months, but that he (the I CARE Foundation) would bring my son home by the end of the summer. His words were not simply words. They were met by incredible actions. I am thrilled to say that today my young, defenseless son is safe at home here in the United States after a four month long nightmare of global abduction that offered no realistic hope or possibility of me ever reuniting with him if it were not for Mr. Senese’s remarkable efforts. My son is home today because a miracle was needed . . . and that miracle showed up in Peter Thomas Senese . . .

Chasing The Cyclone: How To Prevent A Child From Being Abducted

Peter Thomas Senese, author of the critically-acclaimed novel 'Chasing The Cyclone,' about a father searching for his internationally abducted son, has had a far-reaching social impact.  It is being called both a call-to-arms against the wide-spread epidemic of international child kidnapping, as well referred to as a blue-print on how to either prevent a child from being abducted, or how to reunite with your child.

In addition, Chasing The Cyclone has enabled something remarkable: it has helped reunite children with their parents, as Peter Thomas Senese has so generously donated 100% of his author royalties to the I CARE Foundation.

To quote Peter Thomas Senese,  "The I CARE Foundation is actively trying to reunite other children who have been internationally abducted with their families. I think my readers have a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that when they purchase one of my novels, they are making a measurable difference in the life of a defenseless child - and that is pretty cool."

So, in an effort to help us prevent international child abduction, please take a few moments and educate yourself about the WARNING SIGNS of international parental child abduction.  It not only protects your children but perhaps other children you might know.... isn't that worth a few minutes of your time?

If you would like to learn more about the criminal act and schemes of parental child abduction, or to download a free copy of the International Travel Child Consent Form visit the I CARE Foundation website.

If an international parental child abduction is imminent or is in progress, click here.

And lastly, to purchase your copy of Chasing The Cyclone, please visit Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Wishing you the best of the holiday season!

Best-selling Author Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk Release Groundbreaking Book On International Parental Child Abduction Prevention 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN'

Children are our future. I aplaud those people out there who advocate for our children and do everything possible to make a difference. When I read this article I was mortified at the epidemic known as international parental child abduction and all the disheartening facts and figures that go along with it. Thank goodness for these two individuals, Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Ann Vlk! Without their advocacy for children the reality of the situation would be a whole lot worse. The free E-book titled 'The World Turned Upside Down' is worth everyone's attention. Here is the press release highlighting these two outstanding citizens. http://www.1888pressrelease.com/peter-senese/peter-thomas-senese/best-selling-author-peter-thomas-senese-and-carolyn-vlk-rele-pr-330724.html


Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA (1888PressRelease) August 30, 2011 - Best-selling author Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Ann Vlk are pleased to announce the official international publication of their ground-breaking international child abduction prevention open-tablet E-book titled 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN'. 

Continuing the child abduction prevention advocates' commitment to assist targeted children and their parents against the rapidly expanding cruel criminal act of international parental child abduction (IPCA) while striving to raise the public's understanding and responsiveness to the growing epidemic of cross-border child kidnapping, Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Ann Vlk have made the highly illuminating and educational 'The World Turned Upside Down' (Pacifica 315 pp) available as a free E-book to ensure the published information will be immediately accessible. 

Comprising years of extensive research in the area of international child abduction, 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' is the intended cornerstone of the Peter Senese and Carolyn Vlk's pioneering vision to create an interactive cyber-library of educational resources and information pertaining to the global epidemic of child abduction.

The landmark 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' is another innovative resource Peter Senese and Carolyn Vlk have voluntarily created and widely distributed to the benefit of a global community desperately trying to end the perplexing, little-understood, yet rapidly growing epidemic of IPCA. Previous efforts of Peter Senese and Carolyn Vlk include:
• The creation of the highly noteworthy 10-segment educational documentary film series on IPCA titled 'CHASING PARENTS: RACING INTO THE STORMS OF INTERNATIONAL PARENTAL CHILD ABDUCTION', and;
• The breakthrough, extensively researched reports on child abduction including the milestone reports: 
o 'Crisis In America: International Parental Child Abduction Today', and;
o 'International Parental Child Abduction and Human Trafficking In The Western Hemisphere'
o 'The Prevent Departure Program: A Most Efficient Tool To Combat IPCA', and;
o Global International Parental Child Abduction (October, 2011), and;
• Mr. Senese's critically acclaimed upcoming international legal thriller novel inspired by his own personal experiences as a Chasing Parent, titled 'CHASING THE CYCLONE'. 

Coinciding with Peter Senese and Carolyn Vlk's efforts to create tools that will help at-risk parents protect their targeted children is the advocates continued efforts to create or participate in dialogue that will either create or implement existing state or federal laws that will protect children including the State of Florida's 'Child Abduction Prevention Act' (Abduction Prevention [Abductor Risk Assessment]) the Federal 'Prevent Departure Program' (Abduction Prevention [Abductor Departure]), and online digital impersonation criminal laws in order to protect against malicious acts of identity theft, impersonation, and slander in international parental child abduciton cases enacted by a predatorial, abducting parent (California and New York State law[Protection Against The Hague Convention's Article 13 Defense]). 

Carolyn Ann Vlk, who drafted Florida's landmark 'Child Abduction Prevention Act' that is now law commented, "Our efforts to create the tools we have has had two purposes: tantamount to our efforts is to provide useful information that will help parents and courts prevent a child's kidnapping. But equally as important is to use the heavily researched information we have published in order to create legislative initiatives that will lead to the creation of new laws that will drastically reduce and eventually stop child abduction. Presently, we are currently working on three dynamic federal legislative initiatives that will make a dramatic differences in the lives of many if passed. 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' is one of the tools we have created and now have so we may continue to educate our nation's policymakers as we strive to add and implement legislation to help protect children."

CHASING THE CYCLONE author Peter Thomas Senese added, "It has been Carolyn and my intent to continue to make a substantially helpful impact for defenseless children and their parents who are targeted by predator parents or others intent on committing the criminal, abusive, and cruel act of international child kidnapping. One of the many aspects that makes 'The World Turned Upside Down' a unique and beneficial book is that in its open-tablet E-book format we will be able to add new and relevant material and cross-index this information as it comes to light so individuals in need of the new information will have immediate access to it. 

"What we're creating is a living E-book that is expected to evolve into a single-resource for the millions of targeted parents, law enforcement officers, children advocates, and lawmakers who are interested in stopping child abduction. Along the way what we have realized is that the most efficient way to have an internationally abducted child legally returned - something that is extremely - extraordinarily difficult to do - is to not allow the abduction to occur to begin with. Prevention is critical. Yet major flaws exist at all levels of protection, from a lack of laws, to an uneducated judiciary, to a failure by the courts and law enforcement to uphold abduction laws. Undeniably, every nation must protect its children from abduction, particularly as we become a more globally connected community. Thus, our legislative efforts focus on child abduction prevention from within our border, though there undeniably must exist a serious political and diplomatic effort to enforce international treaties in full. 'The World Turned Upside Down' is a highly informative tool not only for targeted parents, but for lawmakers as we move our legislation initiatives forward."

Carolyn Ann Vlk included, "Peter Senese and I have been extremely committed to raising the public's awareness on the high-growth and seriousness of the crime of international parental child abduction while also seeking to implement child abduction prevention measures. Our present activity includes creating new legislation that will close the significant abduction and trafficking loopholes associated with the 'Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative' that clearly has created a black hole on international abduction and human trafficking We're actively engaged in creating legislation that will hold non-citizen child abductors accountable for their kidnapping crime with respect to our nation's immigration policy. And we're actively seeking solutions that will take a stand against dual-passport issues with respect to a child of duel citizenship possessing a foreign passport when this child has been declared a risk for criminal abduction by one parent.

"In our extensive voluntary child abduction prevention advocacy together, Peter and I continue to ask the questions, 'How and why are our children being criminally internationally abducted at such staggering rates, and what can be done about it?" 'The World Turned Upside Down' takes into consideration, and offers answers to many facets of these questions while also providing valuable insight on the issues at hand that are based upon our extensive and ongoing research as demonstrated."

Peter Thomas Senese, reached in Washington, D.C. where he was actively working on a legislative initiative that would modify the WHTI policy added, "Tragically, there is limited social understanding as to the inherent cruel acts of child abuse and serious dangers associated with the pandemic of international parental child abduction. And despite parental child abduction being a federal crime of kidnapping in the United States, as well as in most every other nation, the growth of these malicious acts against children has increased in substantial part due to failures by lawmakers to create child abduction prevention laws, and more glaringly, even greater failures by the judiciary to implement and uphold these laws created in order to protect children from the act of international criminal kidnapping. Thus, in part, it is our hope that 'The World Turned Upside Down' sheds further light into just how dangerous a situation we have on our hands, while offering certain solutions that can make a sizeable difference in curtailing the unyielding growth of international parental child abduction and child trafficking. In reality, there are very real solutions that can be implemented that will dramatically reduce the number of criminal abductions, I think the key is to look within at prevention issues, while of course, holding all nations accountable who do not comply with international law."

According to Carolyn Ann Vlk, "The statistical challenges of this pandemic as published in 'Crisis In America: International Parental Child Abduction Today' Peter Senese and I previously released include the harsh reality that many nations do not even attempt to keep record of how many children are criminally removed from their borders each year. And those nations that do, such as the United States, have only published the 'reported' number of cases without providing any insight into what clearly is a much more sizeable number of 'unreported' cases of international child abduction. There are millions of children each year around the world who are targeted for abduction each year, with a substantial number of these children intended to be removed from their native country of origin. In fact, if the growth rate of international parental child abduction continues to rise as projected, in the year 2020 alone the United States will have more children criminally parentally kidnapped from our nation's borders than can fill a professional baseball stadium!"

The title for the publication 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' was created due to the reality that many parents who are targeted for international parental child abduction enter into a nightmarish ordeal where limited help and understanding is found, and the majority of criminally kidnapped children are never returned. 

Supporting this reality is Janice L. Jacobs, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs for the United States Department of State who writes, "Very few options exist for parents and children who are victims of parental child abduction." Ms. Jacobs also stated, "Unfortunately, current trends reflect a steady increase in the number of international parental child abduction cases and highlight the urgency of redoubling efforts to promote compliance with [Hague] Convention obligations and encourage additional nations to join the Convention."

Ernie Allen, President and CEO of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children has previously stated, "The problem of missing, abducted, trafficked and sexually exploited children is large, growing, under-recognized and under-reported" Mr. Allen observed, "Children are the single most victimized segment of our population. Even with all of the progress we have made, most Americans still don't understand that basic fact. According to Justice Department research, more than 2,000 children will be reported missing in the United States today!" Additionally, Mr. Allen stated, "The numbers are staggering. The tragedies continue and too many children do not make it home."

Mr. Martin Waage, Director of ABP World Group (www.abpworld.com), a leading global security, investigation and child recovery organization with an incredible track record of participating in the safe reunification of over 200 criminally internationally abducted children with their targeted parents, and who has contributed to 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' states, "Over many years, my organization has seen the rapid increase of criminal international child abductions throughout the world. One of the great challenges we are aware of is that targeted parents who are trying to protect their children from international kidnapping or who have had their child criminally stolen abroad is a lack of cohesive information on what to do if your child is at risk or is stolen. There are, in reality, not many efficient options, and timing is critical. Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Ann Vlk's remarkable efforts to create this resource will have a substantially beneficial impact on the global community. I applaud their voluntary work and commitment in creating 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' and further acknowledge their ongoing research projects that have an intended end-result to create new laws that will aid children everywhere. International parental child abduction is a well-documented act of child abuse surrounding a series of criminal acts by the abducting, scheming conspirator. ABP World Group looks forward to continuing in our global efforts of preventing this type of crime from occurring against children, as we are committed to adding to the evolution of 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN's' living library"

Patricia Lee, a renown international family law attorney who has successfully navigated a substantial number of international child abduction cases all over the world and who is based in Tampa added, "The World Turned Upside Down" is an incredible resource, with awesome possibilities for growth and interactive commentary in the future. As an attorney working in the international arena of child abduction, I bookmarked it to my desktop as an immediate reference tool in dealing with child abduction cases. I do not know of any other similar comprehensive resource so freely available to families victimized or threatened with child abduction. Most families, and often the lawyers and law enforcement personnel they turn to for help, do not know what should be done preventatively, during, or following a child abduction, or even where to turn for help. This ebook contains a much needed wealth of information to address this heartrending problem, which is growing exponentially as our world shrinks. It is also capable of being updated as pending preventative legislation, such as the WHTI, is passed. Thank you so much for your efforts Peter Senese and Carolyn Vlk!" 

Gloria Nyberg, a leading child abduction prevention advocate who has participated in a substantial number of international parental child abduction reunifications and who has acted endlessly to prevent targeted children from becoming victims of criminal child abduction stated, "For many parents who face having a child abducted abroad, the maze of complex legal and personal issues they must immediately attempt to navigate can be devastating. The challenges are magnified many fold due to the fact that most every parent does not expect for this crime against them and their child to happen. They are typically victims of a well-conspired fraudulent plan. By creating 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN', Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk are providing the world with yet another very special gift: a remarkable resource guide that will help a tremendous number of people, including parents and children facing this type of crime. Combining this publication with the extensive previous research reports and educational documentary film Peter and Carolyn have previously created or published, along with their tireless effort to create and implement new laws that will serve children everywhere, their efforts have and will continue to bring positive awareness of the dangerous and growing issues at hand."

David B, a father who successfully reunited with his previously abducted child commented, "IPCA is a severe crime against both the child and targeted parent. The malice of an abducting parent is well documented by leading experts and government officials in the United States and elsewhere. The fact is, international child abduction is a criminal act of kidnapping. The severity of this crime can be long lasting for the child. Today, we need to uphold the criminal statutes in place in order to protect our children. Those individuals known to have criminally abducted a child internationally should not be allowed back in the country due to the severity of their crime and the likelihood that they will attempt to re-abducted a child once again: an occurrence that is well documented. 'THE WOLRD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' is an incredible resource guide that not only will help targeted parents, but will educate policymakers as to just how bad and dangerous this situation really is. The book's free release and the material contained in it demonstrates how deeply committed and knowledgeable Carolyn Vlk and Peter Senese are to helping children everywhere."

A. Castro, whose child was previously criminally abducted to Europe, successfully reunited with his child, to only need to act again to prevent a second abduction added, "The failure by courts and their judges to understand the gravity of international parental child abduction and the ease of which a parent can criminally abduct a child has led to the substantial spike in the number of tragic abduction cases. The information contained in 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' and the selfless and dedicated efforts of Carolyn Ann Vlk and Peter Thomas Senese to provide assistance to targeted children and parents like myself is incredible. This publication is an extremely helpful resource guide every person involved in child abduction should read."

Eric Kalmus, the co-founder of The Japan Children's Rights Network (crnjapan.net) , said "Peter, and Carolyn's work with 'The World Turned Upside Down' will dramatically curtail the ease Japanese parents flee North America. Children removed by air account for over 50% of the losses Left Behind Parents with children in Japan currently face. The outlook for parents of children criminally kidnapped abroad seeking to reunite with their kidnapped children is tragically alarming. For instance, there are over 350 criminally abducted U.S. and Canadian child-citizens illegally detained in Japan right now. In our history, no U.S. or Canadian child who was abducted from either the U.S. or Canada has ever been legally returned home with help from the Japanese government or court systems. Sadly this occurs even when there are already family court orders in place."

Amanda B, a mother presently at risk of having her young children abducted to the Middle East added, "The selfless efforts of Peter Senese and Carolyn Vlk have made a direct impact on the safety and welfare of my children. I am grateful for their direct assistance on my and my children's behalf: today my children are safe at home, and I am extremely grateful. 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' is such a vital resource that parents like myself, who are at risk of having their children internationally abducted, can turn to. It is an incredibly useful tool written by two caring child advocates who give of themselves freely in order to help others."

Maurizio R, who is presently chasing the nightmarish cyclone of international parental child kidnapping and the incomprehensible legal and prejudicial maze many targeted parents unfairly face while trying to protect their criminally victimized child said, "Thanks to 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' and the admirable efforts of it's authors Peter Senese and Carolyn Vlk, we have a real manual that tells us in detail a substantial amount about the world of international parental child abduction. As a parent involved in a case of international child abduction, I can say that this book is a precious help to all who are subject to the horror of having a child kidnapped abroad. And as for Peter, I can say that I found on the other side of the world a person who has opened his heart to me, helped me as I continue to reunite with my child, and who has made me feel less alone in this terrible experience."

Jill Jones Soderman, PHD the Executive Director of 'The Foundation For The Child Victims Of The Family Courts' (501c3), and the Founder of 'The Family Resolution Center', located in Chester, New York, which focuses on issues surrounding children, including international child abduction and parental alienation added, "Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Ann Vlk have committed a significant portion of their lives and personal resources to the intervention and prevention of child abduction. As part of such efforts, Peter and Carolyn have written one of the most comprehensive, understandable written works bound by groundbreaking and landmark research on a plethora of issues surrounding the criminal act of international child abduction. In 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' Peter Senese and Carolyn Vlk's commitment toward defenseless children and their targeted parents is undeniable, extraordinarily impactful, and speaks volumes from the loving hearts of Peter Senese and Carolyn Vlk. 'The Foundation For The Children Victims Of The Family Courts' looks forward to contributing to the ongoing resource guide 'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' as this incredible evolving open-tablet E-book will make a positive difference against the war on international parental child abduction and child abuse."

'THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN' is available for free download on best-selling author Peter Thomas Senese's official website (www.peterthomassenese.com), the official website of Senese's 'CHASING THE CYCLONE' (www.chasingthecyclone.com), and on numerous websites including 'International Parental Child Abduction Information' (www.internationalparentalchildabduction.info). Also available on these sites is the educational documentary film 'CHASING PARENTS: RACING INTO THE STORMS OF INTERNATIONAL PARENTAL CHILD ABDUCTION' created and narrated by Peter Thomas Senese, and co-produced by Carolyn Ann Vlk, along with various helpful information.

Peter Thomas Senese added, "Carolyn and I are pleased to publish the open-tablet E-book 'The World Turned Upside Down' as we continue our efforts to prevent the acts of international child abduction. We recognize that our efforts are only part of the great effort put forth by a global community interested in protecting children everywhere. We thank all those who have demonstrated great courage and leadership in this area, we feel deeply for those children who have been victimized by the malicious acts of abduction along with their parents who have or who are presently chasing the nightmarish cyclones of international child abduction, and we look forward to participating in efforts that will create new laws and policies focused on protecting targeted children and their parents from abduction."


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