for the Prevention of the Parental Abduction of Children © Copyright 2010, The Juliette Gilbert Association for the Prevention of the Parental Abduction of Children, Joy Henley, Founder/Executive Director The Juliette Gilbert Association exists to promote positive, healthy outcomes for children and families experiencing custody disputes, by helping to prevent parental abduction and alienation. Common reasons why parents abduct their children   • Protection from abuse when the courts fail to do so • Because all of the evidence of abuse was not considered in the child custody decision • Because false allegations were made against the parent and the situation seems hopeless • Because the parent said he or she will do it.  If a parent threatens to do this, the fact he or she is even thinking about it, is reason to be concerned. • Because the other parent is not adhering to the Parenting Plan and the parent has been denied contact • To avoid paying child support • To be in control • For revenge • Because an abnormal “alliance” exists between the other parent and child • Because the child is being alienated against the parent This website and organization was created in memory of Juliette Gilbert.  Ms. Gilbert asked for help for several years before abducting her child in 2002.  She said they were abused and she committed this desperate act to protect her child.  During the three years they were on the run in New Zealand,, Ms. Gilbert was placed on the FBI’s Most Wanted List.  When she returned to the U.S., Ms. Gilbert served jail time for Custodial Interference, reported to Probation Services, sought counseling, obtained employment, and complied with all legal requirements.  She often spoke of the intense emotional pain of not seeing her child and the feelings of sadness and hopelessness.  At the near time of her death- two years and two months later, Juliette Gilbert said she still had not been permitted to see her child- even in a supervised, monitored setting. Juliette Gilbert November 5, 1967 – June 28, 2007 Informational text on this website is original, and derived from actual child custody situations. It is a result of 24 years of involvement in non-custodial parent/child custody issues. This information is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice and/or counseling. General Alienation Information The alienation between parent and child is usually done for personal gain.  Without legal intervention to limit the abusive parent’s access and without therapy, some experts say it can be unlikely that the psychological effects to the child by the abusing parent will ever be reversed. Trauma Bonds can form.  These are bonds or links the victim develops in situations of incredible intensity– when trust or power is exploited.  Victims can have not only a certain, dysfunctional attachment to their abusers but protect him or her.  This loyalty can last a lifetime. The child has lost their free will and ability to make rational choices over their lives.  Some experts say the children are likely to experience serious psychiatric disorders and pass the problem on to their children. The child is not allowed to grieve the loss of the targeted parent and family.  The child is kept occupied taking care of the disturbed parent. It is believed children do not usually lose interest in and become distant from their non-custodial   parent simply from the absence of that parent. The child is made to feel the alienating parent’s great displeasure if he or she expresses any positive feelings toward the other parent. Common Denominators of Abductors They have no family in the child’s home state, or no strong ties there Citizenship in another country – strong emotional/cultural ties to the country of origin Friends or family live out of state or abroad Previously abducted or threatened to do so No financial reason to stay in area Prior criminal record History of domestic violence or child abuse Defiance of court ordered visitation plan How do abusers gain custody in a court of law? By judges failing to consider all of the evidence of abuse By the recommendations of Guardian Ad Litems who can lack training and the ability to be impartial for the best interests of the child By having more money which sometimes affords better legal counsel When the victim is not “believed” by professionals By “winning” in the courts- especially with the “court appointed psychological evaluation” By default- when the opposing counsel, for whatever reason, does not appear in court By creating false allegations against the other parent – sometimes instructing and/or forcing the child to make the false allegation Abusers, alcoholics, and other drug users are granted custody in the courts. We do not have perfect justice. Litigation does not always pertain to major issues. Some reasons why “battling” parents go to court: Because she…. breast-feeds does not breast-feed works does not work places her child in daycare does not place her child in daycare allowed her child to eat ice cream for breakfast. (It would later be revealed that the child had a sore throat and this was the only food that could be swallowed) has a child who developed Anemia– was told by the Pediatrician to feed the child figs, carrots and yams. fed her child figs, carrots and yams and the child’s hands appeared a light orange color. has wine with dinner and occasionally when going out– could she be an alcoholic? focused on the arts and took her child to the finer productions– museums, plays, music, etc.  The Guardian Ad Litem believed the child would “never be able to get his hands dirty” and this would be detrimental to his well being. regularly watches a soap opera and is “out of touch with reality”.   How does minor litigation relate to Parental Abduction?  Because continuous, senseless litigation financially and emotionally exhausts parents, creates turmoil, results in lost work time and wages, escalates anger and frustration between parents, and contributes to parents feeling weary and hopeless.  So, they may consider the ONLY thing they believe they can do….flee. Today, it is common to see advocates and support groups for mothers and fathers, working together for a common goal.  It is no longer about “mother’s rights” or “father’s rights.” It is about the HUMAN RIGHTS of children and parents to love one another without interference, having quality relationships, and being safe from the abuse of alienation and the crime of parental abduction. The outcome may not be what you planned.  One day, your capture may result in your incarceration and your child being returned to the other parent.             Is it worth the risk?