"Infant Abduction Area for Concern." Security 37, no. 5(May 2000): 2 p. Notes: Available full-text on Criminal Justice Periodical Index database
Abstract: The abduction, by nonamily members, of infants from healthcare facilities has become a subject of concern for parents, healthcare security managers, law enforcement officials and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. (NCMEC). NCMEC, in cooperation with the FBI, the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety and the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, has studied infant abductions from hospitals and homes, and considers abductions relatively preventable. This article provides an overview of the study.
"National Center for Missing & Exploited Children." [http://www.missingkids.org]. Abstract: In 1981, 6-year-old Adam Walsh was abducted in Florida. His desperate parents, John and Reve Walsh, came to Washington DC, seeking help. There was no help for searching parents, and no national response to the problem. The Walshes turned their anger into action, and in 1984, John Walsh co-founded the private, nonprofit National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC serves as a focal point in providing assistance to parents, children, law enforcement, schools, and the community in recovering missing children and raising public awareness about ways to help prevent child abduction, molestation, and sexual exploitation. NCMEC has worked on more than 73,000 cases of missing and exploited children, helped recover more than 48,000 children, and raised its recovery rate from 60 percent in the 1980 to 91 percent today, thereby gaining national and international recognition as "the" resource for missing and exploited children.

Alan Landsburg Productions. Adam. Los Angeles: USA Home Video, 1983, 96 min. Call Number: HV 6603 .W25A32 1983 A/V Abstract: A docudrama about Adam Walsh, the six-year-old son of John and Reve Walsh, who was kidnapped while on a shopping trip with his mother and subsequently murdered. It recounts the many agonizing experiences of Adam’s parents before they turn their grief and outrage into constructive channels by helping push through Congress the Missing Children’s Act, signed into law by President Reagan in 1982.

Beaumont, Paul R. and Peter E. McEleavy. The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999.Call Number: KD 779 .B43 1999
Abstract: The Hague Child Abduction Convention has proved to be one of the most widely ratified treaties ever agreed at the Hague Conference on Private International Law. This book provides a much-needed systematic analysis of the way in which the Convention has been applied in England and Scotland, with extensive reference to the case law of Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand and the United States.

Boudreaux, Monique C., et al. "Child Abduction: Aged-Based Analysis of Offender, Victim, and Offense Characteristics in 550 Cases of Alleged Child Disappearance." Journal of Forensic Sciences 44, no. 3 (May 1999): pp. 539-53.
Abstract: This study reports the results of a nationally representative sample of 550 cases of alleged child abduction obtained from FBI files for the period 1985 through 1995. Both offender and offense characteristics varied significantly according to victim age, gender, and race. Such differences appeared critical to crime reconstruction, criminal profiling, and investigative resolution. The data suggests that current child abduction prevention programs may emphasize inaccurate offender traits. The developmental victimology profiles described in this study could benefit law enforcement and forensic professionals, particularly at the onset of an investigation where the only information consistently known is the victim's age, gender, and race. Providing law enforcement with sound, predictive case typologies could facilitate more rapid case resolution, while increasing preservation of physical evidence.

Bromberg, Daniel S. and Blair T. Johnson. "Behavioral Versus Traditional Approaches to Prevention of Child Abduction." The School Psychology Review 26, no. 4 (1997): pp. 622-33.Notes: Available full-text on the WilsonWeb databaseAbstract: The literature on the prevention of child abduction, which often results in sexual victimization, is reviewed. Traditional prevention approaches, including discussion of "stranger danger," child lures, and escaping from abductors are presented. Shortcomings of traditional approaches in contrast to behavioral approaches to prevention of child abduction are revealed. Behavioral approaches use instruction, modeling, behavioral rehearsal, corrective feedback, and practice until criterion performance is reached. Scrutiny of the literature reveals that behavioral skills training appears to be a necessary component in effective prevention programs. Directions for future research are suggested, and implications for public policy and professional practice are discussed.
Burgess, Ann Wolbert and Kenneth V. Lanning [eds.]. An Analysis of Infant Abductions. Alexandria, VA: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, 1995.Call Number: J 32.2:A 52X Notes: Also available full-text at www.missingkids.com (click on Education & Resources, click on Child Abduction)
Abstract: Written in conjunction with the FBI, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the US Department of Justice, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, this book presents the findings from interviews and record reviews of various nonfamily offenders who abducted 119 children younger than 6 months of age between 1983 and 1992. The findings include a classification of infant abduction designed for law enforcement in the investigation and apprehension of a suspect and a clinical classification designed for mental health clinicians in the assessment and diagnosis of an abductor and in the treatment of the victim family.

Fass, Paula S. Kidnapped: Child Abduction in America. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997.Call Number: HV 6598 .F37 1997
Abstract: Few crimes capture our imagination as completely as child kidnapping. We are both fascinated and revolted, seeing in each victim our own child, in each bereaved parent ourselves, and in each kidnapper a monster striking straight at the heart of the family and our society. Kidnapping is a modern morality play, the innocence of the child in stark contrast to the corruption of the criminal, all played out by a media industry eager to feed the worst fears of every parent. This book explores how our fear has evolved from its first chilling realization in 1874, when Americans were startled and horrified to discover that their children could be held for ransom, until today, when sexual predators seem to threaten our children at every turn.

Federal Bureau of Investigation. "CIRG Homepage - NCAVC." [www.fbi.gov/hq/isd/cirg/ncavc.htm]. Notes: As part of the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime, the Morgan P. Hardiman Child Abduction and Serial Murder Investigative Resources Center (CASMIRC) was established as part of Public Law 105-314, the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act, passed by Congress on October 30, 1998. The legislation provides that the Attorney General shall establish within the FBI's NCAVC, a CASMIRC in order to provide investigative support through the coordination and provision of federal law enforcement resources, training, and application of other multidisciplinary expertise, and to assist federal, state, and local authorities in matters involving child abductions, mysterious disappearances of children, child homicide, and serial murder across the country. Therefore, the overall strategic goal of CASMIRC, as set forth in legislation, is to reduce the impact of these crimes.
Grasso, Kathi L., et al. The Criminal Justice System's Response to Parental Abduction. Washington, DC: US Department of Justice, 2001.Notes: Available full-text at www.ncjrs.org (click on Search Abstracts Database)
Abstract: Millions of Americans receive advertisements in the mail with pictures of missing children and their alleged abductors. Many people quickly glance at the pictures, some study them more carefully, and some do not look at all. In the majority of cases, these children have been abducted by relatives, usually a parent. Parental abduction can have a devastating impact on the child who is abducted and also the parent who is left behind. A quick recovery is critical to reducing the trauma to both child and parent. Law enforcement and criminal court involvement in these cases can make the difference in how effectively the search is conducted and can influence how quickly the child is recovered. To better understand the criminal justice system's response to parental abduction, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency funded a study that examined this issue and this bulletin summarizes the primary findings of the study.

Hanson, Louise. Second Comprehensive Study of Missing Children. Washington, DC: US Department of Justice, 2000.Notes: Available full-text at www.ncjrs.org (click on Search Abstracts Database)
Abstract: Describes the second National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Throwaway Children (NISMART 2), currently underway, which will measure the incidence of each of eight categories of missing children. The current study will update the findings of NISMART 1, published in 1990 (available at www.missingkids.com/download/factssh.pdf). This bulletin outlines the history and components of both NISMART studies, defines eight categories of missing children, includes a sidebar that describes the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, presents photographs and case details for five missing children, and lists seven planned reports that will be based on NISMART 2 data.

Hoff, Patricia M. Family Abduction: Prevention and Response. Alexandria, VA: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, 2002.Call Number: HV 6604 .H6 2002Notes: Also available full-text at www.missingkids.com (click on Education & Resources, click on Child Abduction)
Abstract: Produced in cooperation with the American Bar Association, this fourth edition (which was formerly titled Parental Kidnapping) contains step-by-step information for parents who have experienced a family abduction--whether domestic or international. The handbook guides parents through the civil and criminal justice systems, explains the laws that will help them, outlines prevention methods, and provides suggestions for aftercare following the abduction. In addition, it details search and recovery strategies and contains valuable advice for attorneys, prosecutors, and family court judges handling these difficult cases.

Johnston, Janet R., et al. Early Identification of Risk Factors for Parental Abduction. Washington, DC: US Department of Justice, 2001. Call Number: J 32.10:E 37X
Abstract: "You'll never see your child again!" When are these words an idle threat spoken in anger and frustration and when are they a warning that a parent intends to abduct his or her child, depriving the child and the other parent of future contact? Although custody laws vary from state to state, abducting one's own child is a crime in every state. If a parent or other family member takes, hides, or keeps a child away from a parent with custody or visitation rights, then he or she may have committed a crime. The US Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, funded a research study on prevention of family abduction through early identification of risk factors to answers the questions: What type of parent abducts his or her child? What role does family violence play in increasing the likelihood of abduction? How can one identify which child is at risk of being abducted by a parent or other family member? And, what can be done to prevent family abductions and protect the child? This bulletin describes the multiple research projects that made up the study and highlights the findings. The authors also recommend steps that communities can take to help protect children from family abduction.
Lord, Wayne D., et al. "Investigating Potential Child Abduction Cases: A Developmental Perspective." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 70, no. 4(April 2001): pp. 1-10.
Abstract: Contemporary analyses of nationally representative child abduction patterns demonstrate that law enforcement and criminal justice professionals can better understand the dynamics of child abduction by assessing child victimization from a developmental perspective. Young children, from birth to 5 years, generally have a greater risk of victimization by parents or other trusted caregivers who have access to their protective confines. More independent school-age children who experience lapses in supervision by caretakers are more accessible and more often victimized by acquaintances or strangers outside their homes. Thus, during their lives, children face different abduction and victimization scenarios and risks. This article discusses the developmental perspective of child abduction investigations.

Nahirny, Cathy. "The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children." Sheriff 52, no. 5(September/October 2000): pp. 20-21+.
Abstract: In 1984, the US Congress passed the Missing Children's Assistance Act and, two years later, passed the National Child Search Assistance Act, thus establishing a national clearinghouse of information about missing and exploited children. This clearinghouse was named the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), which is a private, nonprofit organization.This article provides an overview of the center.

Schuler, Christine. Free to Kill: The Polly Klaas Murder. New York: A&E Home Video, 1996, 50 min. Call Number: HV 6535 .P38F73 1996 A/V
Abstract: Join Bill Kurtis as American Justice presents the high-profiled Polly Klaas murder case, in which a career criminal and repeat offender abducted and murdered the young girl while on parole.

Simons, Andre B. and Jeannine Willie. "Runaway or Abduction? Assessment Tools for the First Responder." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 69, no. 11(November 2000).
Abstract: A 15-year-old girl disappeared from her home in a small California coastal town. Police initially classified her as a runaway. Eight months later, her abused body was discovered. Subsequent investigation revealed that three high school-aged boys involved in a Satanic cult had abducted, raped, tortured, and murdered the girl the night of her disappearance. In another case, a jury ordered a town to pay a family $3.8 million because police failed to respond adequately to the father's plea for help when he reported his daughter missing. The father stated later that the verdict presented "a clear warning to third parties who assist in a child abduction--even through inaction. Such inaction may often result when law enforcement erroneously categories a child abduction as a voluntary disappearance, or a runaway. Law enforcement must make every attempt to classify missing child cases appropriately. Guidelines law enforcement agencies should use to clarify procedures for categorizing the missing child case are discussed.
Steidel, Stephen E. [ed.]. Missing and Abducted Children: A Law-Enforcement Guide to Case Investigation and Program Management. Alexandria, VA: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, 2000.Call Number: HV 6598 .M57 2000 Notes: Also available full-text at www.missingkids.com (click on Education & Resources, click on Child Abduction)
Abstract: Authored by a team of 38 professionals from local, state, and federal agencies, this guide outlines a standard of practice for law enforcement officers handling missing-child cases whether runaways, thrownaways, family/nonfamily abductions, or when the circumstances of the disappearance are unknown. It describes--step-by-step with definitive checklists--the investigative process required for each of these types of cases and offers a wealth of resources to assist an investigator.

Steiner, Paul J. "Abducting the Abductors." Security Management 44, no. 3(May 2000): 6 p.
Abstract: An average of four to five infants were abducted from hospitals each year between 1992 and 1998, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Although this is a tiny percentage of the 4.2 million births that occur annually nationwide, no hospital ever wants to be the site of a stolen child. Not only is such an event a traumatic experience for the newborn's family and the hospital's staff, but it can have a major financial impact on a medical facility, either through lawsuits or lost business due to negative publicity. Healthcare security professionals spend a great deal of time implementing strong security measures to prevent infant abductions. But what happens if someone is able to penetrate the security? Hospitals must have an infant abduction response plan that is well tested and communicated to all employees. This article describes the infant abduction response plan of the Prince William Hospital located in Manassas, Virginia, and how security takes the opportunity to review and test its procedures.

US Department of State. "International Parental Child Abduction." July 2001. [www.travel.state.gov/int'lchildabduction.html].
Abstract: Parental child abduction is a tragedy. When a child is abducted across international borders, the difficulties are compounded for everyone involved. The US Department of State (DOS) considers international parental child abduction, as well as the welfare and protection of US citizen children taken overseas, to be important, serious matters. The highest priority is placed on the welfare of children who have been victimized by international abductions. The DOS has been contacted in cases of approximately 16,000 children who were either abducted from the United States or prevented from returning to the United States by one of their parents. This document is designed to assist the adult most directly affected by international child abduction, the left-behind parent.

Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments. "The DC Amber Plan - America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response for the Greater Washington DC Broadcast Area." July 2001. [www.dcamberplan.com].
Abstract: Amber Hagerman, a nine-year-old from Arlington, Texas, was abducted in front of witnesses in 1996 while innocently riding her bicycle. Her body was found four days later. In response to community concern following this tragedy, the Association of Radio Managers with the assistance of area law enforcement in Arlington, Texas, created the "Amber Plan." Named for Amber Hagerman, the plan uses the Emergency Alert System (EAS), formerly the Emergency Broadcast System, to report serious child abduction cases. Realizing that time is of the essence in these cases, the chiefs of law enforcement agencies in the Washington Metropolitan area agree that the abduction of a child is of the highest priority for response and investigation and have set the plan in motion for the metropolitan area. The plan's details can be reviewed at this website.