St. Peters Republican's bill seeks to prevent child abductions

(From Rep. Wendy Hausman, R-St. Peters)

Across the country, thousands of child abductions happen every year. The vast majority of these are family members taking a child in violation of a custody agreement or or a family member failing or refusing to return a child at the end of an agreed upon or legal visit. 

While current State laws address initial child custody determinations and the criminal repercussions of child abductions, they generally provide inadequate prevention mechanisms. This is why Rep. Wendy Hausman filed the Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act.

Last week, she presented the bill in front of the House Children and Families Committee. The bill seeks to create uniformity with other states since custody determinations and abductions often occur across state lines. It also creates clear guidance for courts to identify risk factors that lead to abduction. 

Above all, it seeks to prevent instances of child abduction by providing more judicial preventative measures. Rep. Hausman's bill now awaits a vote by the committee to proceed through the legislative process.

Click here to read more about the bill