As a parent, having your child abducted is one of the scariest things you can experience. Even if your child is abducted by their other parent, you may fear for the safety of your child and want to bring them back home as soon as possible. While there can be obstacles when it comes to getting a child back from parental kidnappings in Michigan, you have options if you know who to reach out to. Here’s what you can do to get your child back from parental kidnappings in Michigan, and how The Committee for Missing Children can help.
What Is Parental Kidnapping?
Before you accuse your child’s other parent of parental kidnapping or contact law enforcement, it’s important to understand what parental kidnapping is and what constitutes a parental kidnapping in the state of Michigan. According to Section 750.350a of Michigan law, here’s how parental kidnapping is defined:
Keep in mind that parental kidnapping cases may be a bit more complex if there’s no court order in place, or if one parent believes the other parent may be abusing or neglecting their child. The Committee for Missing Children help you navigate the complex legal nature of parental kidnapping cases in Michigan.
Penalties for Parental Kidnapping
If a person is found guilty of parental kidnapping in the state of Michigan, they are guilty of a felony and may receive up to 1 year and 1 day in prison, a $2,000 fine, or both. The parent who’s charged with parental kidnapping may also be required to make restitution to the other parent, Keep in mind that penalties for parental kidnapping depend on the severity of the case and the intent of the kidnapping, so a year in jail or a $2,000 fine is far from a guarantee.
No Court Order
When a parent abducts a child and there’s no court order in place, the legal side of Michigan parental kidnapping may be a bit more difficult. While you still have rights as a parent even if there’s no court order in place, you may need to speak to an attorney to figure out what your best course of action is. Acting fast is important when your parent has been abducted, especially if you don’t have a court order.
Fortunately, you can still get help from law enforcement to get your child back even if you don’t have a court order. You have rights as a parent in Michigan, so it’s important to connect with law enforcement agencies and other organizations that can help you make sure you’re exercising those rights.
Court Order
If you do have a court order, you should call the authorities right away to report a parental kidnapping. This is an important first step in making sure law enforcement is on the lookout for a missing child. You should contact the non-emergency number of the law enforcement agency in the area where the child was kidnapped. If you go to the station in person, make sure you bring your court order with you.
Let somebody know that you need an officer to go with you when you attempt to pick up your child according to your court order. An officer can help you facilitate a smooth transfer and make sure your child is protected until they’re with you. Generally, you should avoid using aggressive language or telling the officer that you want them to go after the other parent unless you believe your child may be in danger.
Casting a Wide Net
When it comes to locating and reuniting with missing children in Michigan, casting a wide net is the most important thing you can do. It’s not enough to notify local law enforcement agencies and look in the city where your child was kidnaped; you need to notify state and national agencies. The idea is to get your child registered in as many missing children databases as possible, that way law enforcement knows to be on the lookout. This is especially important if you believe your child may be taken to another state or country. The Committee for Missing Children can help with this process.
Get Help from The Committee for Missing Children
It’s understandable if you’re feeling stressed and confused after a parental kidnapping. You shouldn’t have to fear for the safety of your child as a parent, and The Committee for Missing Children can help you make sure that’s a reality. We start by advocating for child protection, working to make sure laws are clearly written to protect children in the state of Michigan. We can also help you take steps to protect your child if you believe they’re at risk for abduction. Plus, we can help you cast a wide net and locate your missing child. If your child has been kidnapped by their other parent, contact The Committee for Missing Children today.
