Every Day Is World Autism Awareness Day!

Children on the autism spectrum see the world differntly.  Thank goodness there exists those who see the world in the purity most of us hope to see it.

 

Growing up in what you may consider a traditional Italian-American family in New York City, the value and importance of family was instilled in my very fabric from birth. 

Looking in the mirror and seeing the reflection of who I am today, my mind comfortabley - easily drifts back in time as I peel away the memories of my extended family life: it is no wonder that the importance of family has only strenghtened over time . You see, I was and am blessed not only to have two amazing brothers, but a host of really terrific cousins, who till this day, remain close to my heart.

Last night, I received a very touching and endearing letter from my dear cousin Andrea, who took the time to write to me and thank me for raising my voice with respect to autism. 

 

To say I love my cousin would be one of the biggest understatements I could possibly make.  A gentle, witty, and compassionate mother of 4 beautiful children who I cheerish, Andrea, a talented science teacher, has dedicated her life to being the best mother she can be.

 

Each of her children are incredible. And I am truly blessed to have a loving bond with each; however, in our family, it is Anthony, who is on the spectrum and is Andrea's youngest child, who in his very special way, has, by act, become a teacher to our family for this young boy sees the world in the purity that we all hope to one day have.  Anthony's enlightened state of gentle innocence is the best of aspirations in mankind. 

 

In honor of the teachings of Anthony, along with the incredible wisdom of my pal Connor, who I love equally, I declare the following:

 

In The World Of Peter Thomas Senese

EVERY DAY IS WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY!!  

 

 

Note:

(On April 2nd, 2013 we celebrated World Autism Awareness Day. Please find below the post I shared.)

 

Please show your support and wear BLUE today... World Autism Awareness Day!

I will be wearing BLUE, Lighting It Up Blue, and cheering on all those, including my wonderful friend Jennifer Husson-Cluff, who is participating in an awareness walk later today.

I must say, I have been blessed to have my eyes opened by my dear friend Jen about the issues children and families who are on the spectrum face, but more so, I have been so fortunate to have her son Connor - my little buddy - come into my life. Connor is my Super Hero!

And my family has been so extraordinarily blessed to have Anthony in our lives. He teaches us the value of being gentle - and we are so fortuante for that and him.

Today, please take a moment or two to understand the challenges of autism and show your support for all those who see the world differently.  You know . . . greatness and mankind's life's enhancements come from those who see the world differently.

To learn more about autism and being on the spectrum please visit Jen's top rated parenting website www.mom-ology.ca.

Best wishes to all,

Peter Thomas Senese

Heroes, Miracles, Neverland, Lost Boys and Peter Pan

This Christmas Holiday I had the privilege and blessing to be able to visit children presently in the hospital fighting the dragons of cancer or some other life-threatening illness. I have had the opportunity of doing this for some time now.  And no matter how many times I have visited children in the hospital fighting cancer, it never gets easy.  Yet, I cannot deny the deep amount of love that is shared and felt, and in this, there is no denying that God exists, has a plan, and it is one that is so complex and complicated that I do not understand it.

As a multiple cancer survivor, I do ask the God I believe in why did you allow me to stay while, sadly, painfully, and overwhelmingly tragically, some of these beautiful children will not?

I will be the first to admit that even though I consider my faith to be very strong, and that I do see the world with optimistic eyes, there are many times when I do not understand why this is the plan for some of these children?

And I know the battles that chidlren face first-hand, not just on my own account, but because of my beautiful niece - who today, over 5 years now past since she first fought the dragon - is a conqueror.

There are no words that could explain the complex feelings that swelled in my heart over the past few days that have caused a tireless current of various emotions that push and pull at my being. This feeling is not new, but one that is rather familiar. It is both sustaining and alarming. And like most things that cause an array of emotions, the feelings that hold me are magnified because of my own personal experiences with the events of the day.

All of you know me as Peter Thomas Senese, an author and advocate of children. But you see, many of the children I am dedicated to see me not as the adult that I try so hard not to be, but for who I am in spirit: Peter Pan -fighter of the dragon that tries to steal life in the form of cancer or some other nasty disease.

And the other day was one of those incredibly special days when my inner Peter Pan had taken flight and visited many children in the hospital who were in the midst of their own fight with the dragon. In my spirit, I carried the wonderful spirit of my niece, and the goodness of my friend Robert who was made of pure goodness before God called him to join him in Heaven a few weeks ago after a protracted fight with the dragon, and my friend Stacey who is fighting the dragon now ... and so many others ... but their spirits gave me 'lift'.

Fighting the dragon of cancer is something I am not new to. You see, I have had a share of cancer fights that over the years caused tumors to grow in areas of my body. In fact, I was diagnosed with a disease long ago that had a low survival rate, and chances were that my life-span was expected to be limited because of the high mortality rate of my cancer disease.

Well, my diagnosis of 15 years ago that included making sure I got my 'affairs' in order missed one important mark: I'm still here, extremely healthy, and a Conqueror of Cancer. In fact, the genetic testing of the gene strain that caused my very complex form of cancer to occur . . . and keep coming back is now gone from my body.

 Seriously: the dragon that ravaged my body is gone.

And if you didn't know that I fought the dragon on numerous occasions, then chances are that you would not know of my many battles because my body is strong, my scars have healed, and by no means have I become anything less than a warrior who shares with others wisdom I have learned and gained about how to see the magic in life, and how to use this magic to fight the dragon.

I know that the time I live here on this planet really is a gift.

I know that the wisdom I gained fighting a disease that by all odds, was suppose to take my life in a cruel way, but failed, has helped many others.

I know the precious value of celebrating life and seeing the magic.

And I know that the Peter Pan in me allows me to talk to children in a way that they understand.

So on days like yesterday, my inner Peter Pan takes flight and visits children who fight the dragon.

My visits to an assortment of hospitals are incredible journeys. I have now traveled for 13 years. Each year I learn many new things, yet I am reminded of many of the same wonderment's that existed or were taught the year before, including most importantly that life's magic and embracing this magic is the key to happiness.

My support to find a cure for cancer has been steadfast for well over a decade. I am quite proud that I have been able to find a way in my own life to be able to provide resources to help fight cancer, while also being able to assist others who fight the fight.

Yesterday, I had a chance to visit two New York City area hospitals that specialize in treating children with life-threatening illnesses.

It is a day I look forward to more than any other day of the year, though my visits to hospitals occur several times a year.

Perhaps the difference is that on this day I travel with many cool gifts that originate from the spirit of Neverland . . . gifts carefully saved for throughout the year by me and a few of my friends from Neverland.

And though I look forward to my visit, truth is fighting cancer or any life-threatening illness is not easy for anyone, yet alone for a child and their family.

Yet, I know first-hand just how important it is for anyone in the midst of the fight to 'Think of Happy Thoughts' ... because happy thoughts allows your spirit to fly and soar - and fight! And few know the importance of 'Happy Thoughts' more than Peter Pan.

My day was filled with a great amount of laughter and incredible love.

I am in awe of the true heroes to these children: their mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers.  I know each of these parents would do anything possible to help take away the danger their child faces. As I met with many of them, I remembered in vivid detail the time when I was Chasing The Cyclone of child abduction when two dragons showed up at my family's doorstep.  Nor will I ever forget the incredible love that existed as parents to child.

My life has been touched forever due to my battles with the dragon.  And I have often said that these battles, as it turned out, were a blessing in my life for they helped create who I am today.

For whatever reason, God allowed me to become a gifted storyteller capable of sharing enchanting stories with children.

And so my day, joined by my dear friend Patricia (Tinkerbell) and Fred (Twister), was filled with sharing stories that grasped at the children's and their parents' hearts. And we were so blessed because along the way we recruited a wonderful group of 'Lost Adults' as I called them from Iowa who came to New York on a ministry to help those impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Pastor Rick, Jane, Jenna, and Debbie had no idea what they were getting into when they stepped in the elevator, but we were sure glad they did because they were so incredibly helpful in so many ways. New friends were made that shared something so incredible.

Sometimes I would enter a room and look around and say, "Hey, you're in my old bed!" While other times, I would introduce myself by saying in a low voice, "Hi, I'm Peter Pan. And I came to see you from Neverland. And I have some presents for you from the Lost Boys and Girls. Do you think the adults can see me?" Or, "I'm Peter Pan, and I'm looking for someone who wants to come on an adventure and help me fight Captain James C. Hook. Are you interested in an adventure?"

For whatever the reason, the children I was blessed to visit appeared to connect with me.

There were stories told, really cool presents opened, prayers said, jokes told, and trust . . . a lot of trust. You see, when I told the children that I fought the cousin of the dragon that they were fighting and beat him, they became very interested in what I had to say.

It was then that the room became very small, and it felt as if it was just me and one of my new pals. And for the few minutes that we were locked in together, I allowed them to touch one of the scars on my head, and to feel the tight-ball of a muscle of my bicep, and to listen to my words of encouragement. And during this time, I explained some things that were so important, including how important it was for them to find their 'Happy Thoughts' all the time.

I can't begin to share with you the depth of what was given to me yesterday. Truth is for as much as I may have shared, it was the children that gave so much to me.

Hope is the most powerful tool in the world. When we learn to see the magic around us, we are able to see and embrace hope. When we embrace hope, our lives become enriched.

Faith is a very important part of my own life. In my faith, of course I questioned often why God would allow for these children to go through what they are. It was a similar set of questions I asked often during the time when one of my young family members had to fight the dragon (successfully).

Words the express my hope that the men and women who dedicate their lives to finding a cure for cancer travel with God speed on their quest could never be properly expressed. I am in awe of those individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping find cures to all diseases, and have been blessed to know over the years some of the world's leading genomic scientist who get up every day trying to make a difference.

But most of all, in the eyes of these amazing children I had the great privilege of visiting with yesterday, I saw the hope of mankind and the goodness that exists in each of us.

The lessons these children shared with me are lessons I will continue to embrace. One of which I would like to share with you:

We all have the ability of making a positive difference in the life of another. The magic of life is clearly found when we act compassionately.

Sadly, it would be unrealistic for me to think that all the children I met with will overcome the challenges they face, thought I have learned in life that anything is possible.  

I BELIEVE. 

I BELIEVE!

Still, my heart is heavy knowing the journey these children are on.

Yes, I try to take comfort knowing that the God I believe in does have a plan for each and every person. And I am smart enough to know that I do not have the capacity to understand all that God has in store for each of us. The heaviness of my heart is tempered by my belief in Heaven. I learned a long time ago I am not afraid of dying here . . . in fact, for a few seconds of my own life, during the time when I had the tumor in my noggin and was receiving experimental therapy treatment, my own heart did stop. And as I just said ... I do believe in Heaven.

My wish for each of you is that you embrace each and every moment of life. Life really is filled with magic. It appears that it comes down to how each of us decides to see.

I ask that you keep in your prayers all individuals who are not in good health, particularly children, because God really does listen.

And as for me . . . my 'Peter Pan' will continue to guide my life.  I am sure I will be visiting a few more hospitals over the coming weeks in Los Angeles and in Florida.

And I am now committed to create a traveling theater troupe of actors who are willing to play in an adaptation of Peter Pan I have in mind.

Over the coming days, and in my capacity as the Founding Director of the I CARE Foundation, I know that we are going to be extremely busy trying to assist parents who recently had their child internationally kidnapped during the Christmas holiday season.  The tragedy of having a child abducted to a foreign country is beyond a nightmare, and a true danger for innocent children.

Hopefully our preparation for these coming days will make a difference in the lives of us.  And so - we will fight for innocent children.

 Remember my friends . . . "Embrace Hope, Know Faith . . . And Think Happy Thoughts'.

Peter

Peter Senese: Helping Children Of Abduction Thorugh The I CARE Foundation

When It Comes To Helping Children - We're All Connected

Best-selling geopolitical thriller writer
Peter Thomas Senese

It is my privilege and responsibility to be able to help provided needed resources to the I CARE Foundation so the organization can continue to make a difference on behalf of children targeted for abduction or trafficking.

I have always believed in heroes, and believe we can all be heroes to those who are less fortunate than us.

To act in the spirit of kindess is a lesson my adopted grandfather, who was a great man, Rabbi Morton Kohn, shared with me many years ago. His wisdom was not new, thought his life was remarkable.  But to act in kindness - this wisdom was first instilled in me by my mother and father - who remain incredible, caring parents.

The other day, I was sent a copy of a very nice article written about my caring of children. The articles's writer?

Attorney Joel Walter is based
out of New York City

Top New York Family Law Attorney Joel Walter, who happens to be a Board of Director of the I CARE Foundation had recently posted an article in his international family law column about my previous donations and ongoing financial support of the I CARE Foundation. I was humbled by his kind words, particularly since it is my opinion that Joel Walter is one of the best New York family law attorneys. It is also my opinion, drawn from first-hand knowledge, that Joel Walter is one of the nation's top international parental child abduction prevention lawyers.

To read attorney Joel Walter's article, please click here.

And for those of you interested in my writing, please remember I am donating 100% of my e-book proceeds to the I CARE Foundaiton, including earnings from my novels including Chasing The Cyclone, The Den of the Assassin, and Cloning Christ.

For more information about me, Peter Thomas Senese, please visit my official website.

Click here for more information on international parental child abduction.

A Child's Hero

                                                           

Targeted Parents Are Heroes Of International Child Abduction

Parents of children who are internationally kidnapped by the child's other parent face an incredible number of hardships that can best be described as 'The World Turned Upside Down'.  Unquestionably, they live in a world where most everything that deals with the recovery of their abducted child makes no sense.

Neverhteless, and despite the cruelist of circumstances and near unimaginable realities, they push on in hope that one day they will reunite with their victimized, abused child. Why? Because they love their child and regardless of the hardships they face, they will do most anything to reunite and safely bring them home.

Without quesiton, they are heroes to their children, even if, duirng the time of their child's abduction, the stolen child may not realize the incredible acts of and determination their targeted parents put forth and must indure.

But they do.

And they do because of the most powerful emotion of all: love.

As a parent who formerly raced into the storms of abduction and in my role as a board member of the I CARE Foundation, I have come to befriend many chasing parents who search for their children.

I have come to know some of the most remarkable men and women in the world. And in my eyes, they are heroes.

Why?

Because their committment to their children powered by love is what is right about the world.

The I CARE Foundation

The not-for-profit I CARE Foundation has gradually become a visible stakeholder in the world of international parental child abduction prevention and reunification with a large and growing list of impressive accomplishments.  The Foundation's Board of Directors and Advisory Board are made up of some of the most dedicated volunteer child advocates imaginable. They give of their full resources at levels that are unheard of. Remarkably, the efforts of the I CARE Foundation's Board have not been in vain: there are many children from all around the world who today are either back home after previously being internationally parentally kidnapped, or, they remained at home because the plan to internationally abduct them was prevented, in great part due to the action of the I CARE Foundation.

The accomplishments of the I CARE Foundation include assisting in numerous LEGAL international child abduction recoveries and reunification, heavily participated in exponentially more successful acts to prevent abduction from occurring, our ongoing groundbreaking research in the area of international child abduction and trafficking has provided new, accurate, and insightful information as to the severity of the global epidemic society as a whole has before it, our comprehensive and expansive reporting of our research findings has led other stakeholders to protect numerous children from abduction while allowing us to significantly advance our legislative initiatives, some of which have either already become law or agency policy, while legislative initiatives are moving forward in a manner we could hope for.  Additionally, we continue to build a national network of pro bono lawyers who participate in the U.S. Department of State's 'Hague Convention Attorney Network', while nearing completion for the first-ever international child abduction case law data base. 

Legislative Initiatives:

Today, there is a significant chance to help children targeted for abduction.

1. Modify the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative so all individuals traveling abroad must present a valid passport regardless age and type of travel.


2. Create a secure screening list for individuals determined by courts or law enforcement as high-risk child abductors who posses a right to U.S. citizenship similar to the existing Prevent Departure Program that only applies to individuals who do not posses a right of American citizenship.

So if your really interested in assisting, on behalf of the I CARE Foundation, we would welcome your assistance. All you need to do is send an email to mediarelations@stopchildabduction.org.

Preeminent 'Guilty Pleasures Book Review' Calls Peter Thomas Senese's Chasing The Cyclone "Phenomenal. Remarkable. Extraordinary."

I am so pleased to share the highly respected book review site  Guilty Pleasures Book Review commentary of Chasing The Cyclone.  

Guilty Pleasures Book Review in a preeminent online book review site 'Written By Women For Women'. 

This is what Guilty Pleasures Book Review had to say about Chasing The Cyclone:

"If I had to use one word to describe Chasing the Cyclone by Peter Thomas Senese it would be phenomenal. As in remarkable. Extraordinary. I have read many books over the years, for enjoyment, for education, because I had to, because I wanted to. I cannot think of any other book that comes close to making me feel as I did when I read this book. I believe these feelings will stick with me forever." Click Here to read the entire review.

Step by step the issues of international parental child abduction are increasing at a grass-roots level in our society. It is my hope and anticipation that as education and awareness gain traction, new laws and policies will be created and implemented that will help other children. After all, one child's life is worth fighting for - hundred's of thousands of children whose lives are at risk is worth changing a system over.

Click here to purchase Chasing The Cyclone from Amazon.

THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN by PETER SENESE

I am very pleased to announce today the free E-book publication of THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN: International Parental Child Abduction by Peter Thomas Senese with special contributions by Carolyn Ann Vlk. 

THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN by Peter Thomas Senese with Carolyn Ann Vlk is an extensive resource guide presently 315 pages in length containing significant information and landmark reports and research studies that will be useful for all individuals, including targeted parents, law enforcement officers, courts, and lawmakers interested in understanding and preventing international parental child abduction or human trafficking.

What is dynamic about THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN outside of the fact that the content and material contained within the book is that THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN takes shape in the form of a virtual E-book that is intended to be updated with new content, information, and material as relevant material and information becomes available. In essence, THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN is the foundation for a very unique cyber-library with the intent of providing critically important information for all individuals in need of information regarding child abduction.

In keeping with my goal of being able to offer to the world-at-large relevant, timely, and important information that may protect innocent children targeted for international abduction, it was my desire to make this extensive publication free-of-charge to all who desire to read it. THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN is available online as a free download in a PDF file format. Both Carolyn Ann Vlk’s and my child abduction prevention advocacy is done on a volunteer basis.

Making THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN free of charge is similar to the free extensive documentary film series titled ‘CHASING PARENTS: Racing Into the Storms of International Parental Child Abduction’ I have created that continues to educate a substantial number of individuals from around the world on the growing epidemic of criminal child abduction.

On behalf of Carolyn Ann Vlk and myself, I hope that the information contained in THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN will be of help to you.

Click Here To Read THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN BY PETER SENESE

Sincerely,

Peter Thomas Senese

Child Advocates Carolyn Ann Vlk And Peter Senese Prepare To Release Global Report On International Child Abduction and Trafficking Related To Lax Passport Travel Requirements For Children

Child advocates from around the globe are expressing outrage over world governments' continued failures to protect millions of defenseless children targeted for criminal abduction each year by monsters who facilitate the unforgiving crimes of internationally abducting or trafficking children. International border-crossing policies often do not mandate that children traveling abroad present a valid passport to border agents if a child is traveling by land or sea. When a child is stolen and illegally removed from their country of origin by either a non-stranger such as a parent, or is a victim of a stranger abduction, that child has been criminally kidnapped. The traumatic consequences placed on the kidnapped child are severe. The majority of these defenseless victims will never recover from the physical and emotional abuse directed toward them. Some of these children are unable to recover: they are lost forever. Presently, international air travel by a minor requires the presentation of a valid passport. However, many nations including the United States permit the submission of a photocopy of a child’s citizenship papers such as a photocopy of a birth certificate as an acceptable travel document for a minor age 16 or younger when traveling abroad by land or sea.

Unquestionably, lax and reckless travel document policy requirements associated with minors traveling by land or by sea have created a colossal legal loophole - a black hole - for child-thieves and smugglers to criminally transport and remove targeted children from one country to another until they are inevitably gone forever. Undeniably, by the sheer size of the pandemic at hand, predators are utilizing these legal loopholes in alarming, yet relatively immeasurable numbers.


Inconceivably, many countries including the United States, Canada, and nations in the European Union have policies in place that allow for a child 16 years old or younger traveling abroad by either land or by sea to only present to border officials a photocopy of their proof of citizenship such as their original birth certificate.


Child abduction prevention advocates and researchers Carolyn Ann Vlk and Peter Thomas Senese, have previously published several landmark reports including 'International Child Abduction and Human Trafficking In The Western Hemisphere' and 'Crisis In America: International Parental Child Abduction Today'. They are currently leading a research team that will publish findings on the global epidemic of child abduction and child trafficking as it relates to legal loopholes and other related flaws associated with a child’s international travel documentation requirements. The highly anticipated report titled ‘Global Child Slavery and International Child Abduction Associated With Travel Documentation Requirements'


‘Chasing The Cyclone’ author and child advocate Peter Thomas Senese commented, “It is disturbing to realize that various governments from around the world have turned their responsible eyes away from the most often used illegal border-crossing strategies implemented by predators involved in international abduction as well as in the trafficking of children: illegally transporting a child into a country by land or by sea using fraudulent documentation due to a senseless policy often implemented stipulating that a child does not need to present a valid passport at a border-crossing unless the child travels abroad by air. This is insane. Our children demand more from each of us. Any international travel documentation policy that does not include a child being required to travel with a valid passport is a policy that does not address the issues of the safety of children. The upcoming report ‘Global Child Slavery and International Child Abduction Associated With Travel Documentation Requirements' will not only demonstrate how outlandish these non-passport requirement policies are, but hopefully it will also educate judges, law enforcement, and policymakers about just how critical and widespread these issues are. Having such laws in place will also give judges and law enforcement personnel additional tools they need to prevent the kidnapping of a child before it occurs, as once the removal takes place, it is that much more difficult and expensive to remedy.”

In fact, many governments' immigration, borders, and customs agencies publicly and privately have voiced that excessive travel documentation fraud has given rise to dramatic and sweeping increases in the number of international child abductions and human trafficking cases around the world. According to law enforcement officials worldwide, the most effective means to determine if a child is legally traveling abroad is by checking the child’s passport. Nevertheless, even the presentation of a valid passport may not alleviate all illegal removals, particularly those connected to an international parental child abduction due to the potential issuance of a secondary passport related to a child’s possible dual citizenship. However, access to real-time government records associated with a valid passport provides border agents better insight into who is legally crossing into their nation's borders.


Unquestionably, travel documentation requirements that do not require a child to present a valid passport when traveling abroad by land or by sea have created a worldwide malignant epidemic that continues to destroy millions of lives each year. This plague is so wicked and ubiquitous that it is often acknowledged by governments and leading human rights advocates around the world as one of society’s greatest shortcomings. Undoubtedly, there is no one solution; however, it is evident to those familiar with international child abduction and human trafficking that one sure-fire way to turn the tide against the most evil of fates awaiting innocent children targeted for international abduction is to mandate that every child traveling abroad present a valid passport.

Carolyn Ann Vlk, drafter of the State of Florida’s landmark ‘Child Abduction Prevention Act’ and co-author of numerous research reports on child abduction commented on the need to conduct research on the global dilemma of abduction and trafficking as it is related to significant gaps in travel documentation requirements for children traveling abroad. “My volunteer advocacy in the area of child abduction prevention has allowed me an unobstructed view of the horror the families of a targeted child face. I've spent an incredible amount of time investigating and analyzing current legislation, policies, and trends relevant to child abduction and I have uncovered significant loopholes that are allowing children to be victimized through parental child abduction and human trafficking. In the report Peter Thomas Senese and I published concerning the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), we realize the policy was intended to prevent abduction and trafficking from occurring but in reality it facilitates the cross border abduction of children through its deficiencies. WHTI allows for the travel requirements of children to vary depending on if they are traveling by land, sea or air. In our upcoming report titled ‘Global Child Slavery and International Child Abduction Associated With Travel Documentation Requirements' we will publish our findings concerning travel documentation issues as they relate to child abduction and slavery issues. Our future published findings will demonstrate the urgent and critical need for uniform travel requirements for children, including a passport requirement for all modes of travel. Without uniform passport requirements, society will continue to embrace child abduction and child trafficking, and this is completely unacceptable.”

Janice L. Jacobs, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs stated in the ‘Report on Compliance with the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction’ previously submitted to the U.S. Congress that "Unfortunately, current trends reflect a steady increase in the number of international parental child abduction cases and highlight the urgency of redoubling efforts to promote compliance with Convention obligations and encourage additional nations to join the Convention." She also writes, "Very few options exist for parents and children who are victims of parental child abduction."

Florida lawyer Patricia Lee, a prominent, successful international family law attorney who is of counsel to the international law firm of Urban Thier Federer & Jackson, and who has substantial familiarity with international parental child abduction cases added, “As a family law practitioner who frequently deals with international issues, I see the risk of, and actual incidences of child abduction growing proportionately to our world shrinking. The failure, or inability, of courts to aggressively pursue reasonable precautions to proactively prevent such abductions is a crime in and of itself. Once an abduction has taken place, the left behind parent faces a morass of legal issues that are not only difficult to surmount due to language and cultural differences, but are also prohibitively expensive for the ordinary parent. The backlash is often permanent, and goes without any redress at all. Our best recourse is to prevent the removal of children at risk prior to it occurring, and we absolutely must have laws and procedures in place that allow us to do so. Anything less is simply irresponsible, and inhumane on a global scale. Children across the world deserve these simple safeguards from such abduction and victimization.”

Ernie Allen, President and CEO of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children previously addressed the crimes against children when he said, "The problem of missing, abducted, trafficked and sexually exploited children is large, growing, under-recognized and under-reported." In addition, Mr. Allen commented that, "Children are the leading victims of violent and personal crimes in this country, victimized at a rate twice as high as the general population." Continuing he stated, “Children are the single most victimized segment of our population. Even with all of the progress we have made, most Americans still don’t understand that basic fact. According to Justice Department research, more than 2,000 children will be reported missing in the United States today!" Mr. Allen added, "The numbers are staggering. The tragedies continue and too many children do not make it home."

San Francisco based Gloria Nyberg, who has dedicated several decades of her life to successfully and safely bringing home children criminally abducted abroad added, “Documentation falsifications is a consistent aspect of travel for children being transported from one country to another, particularly in South and Central America. Children disappear daily, where they are eventually sold and distributed around the world to beasts trading in the child sex slave industry, to drug dealers increasing their cartel’s presence, or are simply killed for their body organs. Without upholding passport travel requirements for children traveling from one country to another, we are in fact responsible for the monumental problem on our hands that has been partially created by our own failures to protect our children. It is time that we act responsibly as adult citizens charged with protecting innocent children. Indeed, we have an obligation to do our very best to prevent the facilitation of international abduction and child slavery. It is critical that each government adopt a passport-only travel documentation policy for children traveling abroad. Anything less than this is irresponsible.”

Pamela Michell, the remarkable founder of Survivor On A Mission and a leading global advocate spearheading public awareness of human trafficking and slavery issues stated, “Today, there are tens of millions of child slaves with no hope for a future. Kept silent through fraud, force or coercion, children around the world are stolen from their communities in epidemic proportion. Most are forced into slave labor, some caged for sexual exploitation, others await the harvesting of their vital organs, while others abducted live a life on the run...each enduring trauma and danger few will overcome. Strong action is needed now by all governments to protect our children’s' future. Critically we call upon the creation and enforcement of global laws that require a passport to be presented any time a minor travels abroad. Without this, the massive amount of travel documentation fraud that exists today that accounts for an inconceivable and incredulous number of innocent children to be targeted victims of abduction and slavery crimes will continue to rise. As global citizens, we demand more from our governments. Our children expect better from each of us."

International child trafficking and child abduction continues to grow at rapid, uncontrollable, and extraordinary rates. Alarmingly, there still remain achievable protective protocols that can substantially make a difference in the war against child abduction and slavery. One of the most important tools each nation has available to combat the evil of child abduction is to require all children to present a valid passport when traveling abroad. Peter Thomas Senese added, “What is at stake are the lives of millions of targeted children each year. Simply put, we must modify existing laws to include passport presentation for all travelers abroad regardless of age.”

The highly anticipated report titled ‘Global Child Slavery and International Child Abduction Associated With Travel Documentation Requirements' will be released in mid-July, 2011. To view the ‘International Child Abduction and Human Trafficking In The Western Hemisphere' report or for more information on please visit http://www.internationalparentalchildabduction.com/

PETER THOMAS SENESE NARRATES FILM SERIES ON INTERNATIONAL PARENTAL CHILD ABDUCTION: RELEASES TENTH FILM SEGMENT IN 'CHASING PARENTS: RACING INTO THE S

In a recently released educational video segment concerning 'The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative', Peter Thomas Senese discusses how the policies established under WHTI substantially minimizes travel document requirements for children traveling abroad via land or sea, presenting significant opportunity for child abductors and human traffickers the means to criminally remove defenseless children from one nation's borders to another.

In the now completed new video segment, Senese presents how the detrimental issues concerning WHTI policy are outlined and offers solutions that must be implemented in order to help prevent this grave and growing problem.

'Challenges Connected To The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative' is the newest release in the now completed ten-segment educational documentary film series titled 'Chasing Parents: Racing Into The Storms Of International Parental Child Abduction' produced and narrated by best-selling author Peter Thomas Senese.

Mr. Senese, a child abduction prevention advocate and author of the critically acclaimed novel 'Chasing The Cyclone' stated, "It is inconceivable that in the severe and escalating environment of international child abduction and child stealing that exists today, the WHTI policy marginalizes children's safety by not requiring all individuals traveling abroad to use a passport regardless of their age. Harmonization of a passport mandate for all international travel will dramatically reduce the number of cross-border abductions immediately."

To view 'Challenges Connected To The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative' and the 'Chasing Parents: Racing Into The Storms Of International Parental Child Abduction' film series, please visit http://www.chasingthecyclone.com or http://www.internationalparentalchildabduction.info.

Pacifica TWST is a media and entertainment company. Our feature film, television, documentary, and publishing efforts focus on current issues that effect the global community at large.

If you believe your child is at risk, it is critical that you prepare your child on what to do if they are taken (Click here to view how to prepare your child).


If you are interested in understanding the terrifying aspects and difficulties associated with international parental child abduction, I invite you to read 'Chasing The Cyclone' (Click here to read the reviews).

To read Chapter 1 of 'Chasing The Cyclone' please Click Here.

For more information on the growig epidemic of international parental child abduction, please Click Here.


For more information on best-selling author Peter Thomas Senese, please Click Here. or to read more about Peter Thomas Senese's books, please Click Here.

For more information on child abduction and child slavery risks associated with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, please Click Here.

To read more essays and articles on international parental child abduction, please Click Here.