Representative Cam Ward Introduces Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act
(ALABASTER, ALABAMA) – Representative Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) today announced the introduction of the Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act. The act, which Rep. Ward is sponsoring is aimed at preventing child abductions in the state of Alabama.
Child abduction is one of the most frightening and heartbreaking crimes faced by parents and families today. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, despite the familiar image in the news of children abducted by predatory strangers, the majority of child abductions are perpetrated by family members.
To combat this problem, the Uniform Law Commission promulgated the Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act (UCAPA). Representative Ward and former Chief Justice Gorman Houston represented Alabama on this national drafting committee. This Act will provide Alabama with a valuable tool for deterring both domestic and international child abductions by parents and any persons acting on behalf of the parents.
The Act sets out a wide variety of factors that should be considered in determining whether there is a credible risk that a child will be abducted. These factors include overt signs such as previous abductions, attempts to abduct the child, or threats of abduction, as well as signs of general abuse including domestic violence, negligence, or refusal to obey a child-custody determination. The act also addresses the special problems involved with international child abductions by including risk factors specifically related to international abduction.
If a court determines that a credible risk exists that the child will be abducted, it may then enter an order containing provisions designed to prevent abduction including imposing travel restrictions, prohibiting the individual from removing the child from the State or place the child’s name in the United States Department of State’s Child Passport Issuance Alert Program.
If abduction appears imminent, a court may issue a warrant to take the child or direct law enforcement officers to take steps to locate and return the child.
The Act anticipates the need for cooperation and communication among the courts of different states. Because abduction situations will likely involve more than one state, it is vital that courts communicate effectively. The Act provides the court with guidance for emergency jurisdiction.
“This bill will go a long way to protect the children of Alabama,” commented Rep. Ward. “Although we already have good laws in place in regard to child abductions, the legislature needs to set some specific guidelines for the judicial system to ensure that our children are as safe and secure as possible. This bill will do that.”
“This bill is a product of a lot of hard work and dedication on the part of a number of individuals who need to be commended for their commitment to the children of Alabama,” continued Rep. Ward. “This bill would not be what it is without the help of former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice J. Gorman Houston and Robert McCurley of the Alabama Law Institute.”
Rep. Ward was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2002 to represent District 49, which includes parts of Bibb and Shelby Counties. He is running for the Senate to represent District 14, which includes parts of Bibb and Shelby Counties and all of Chilton County. Mr. Ward, his wife Julie and daughter Riley live in Alabaster.
The Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act will be considered by the Alabama Legislature when it reconvenes in January 2010.
