Peter Thomas Senese's CHASING THE CYCLONE - How A Novel Has Helped Protect Children

 

A Special Message From Peter Thomas Senese On

The U.S. Decline Of International Child Abduction Cases

Looking back at the past few years, I have to admit that I am very pleased with how my novel Chasing The Cyclone has helped raise awareness on the issues of child abduciton, and how, through its publication, the I CARE Foundation was eventually created. For those of you who are not familiar witth the I CARE Foundation, the non-profit organization I am the Founding Director of has helped protect a large and growing number of children around the world who are at risk of abduction.

I am very pleased to share that the number of reported United States outbound cases of international parental child abduciton (IPCA) have declined for a second year in a row, as shared in an extensive report issued by the I CARE Foundation titled 'Crisis In America - 2013' (co-authored by Peter Thomas Senese, Carolyn Vlk, and Joel S. Walter, Esq.).  

Despite key factors that have led to increases in risk factors associated with IPCA such as global citizenship mobility, U.S. abduction rates have dropped from what was previously forcasted as a +22% to a +40% yearly growth rate to an average decline of 15% per year over the past two reporting years.

This is a remarkable series of events, and credit must be given and shared with those who have worked so hard to stop abduction.

Personally, I beleive that there is no organization that deserves more credit than the United States Department of State's Office of Children's Issues (OCI). The leadership of OCI is made up of some of the most caring individuals in the world who dedicate their lives to helping families at risk of abduction. Speaking from first-hand experience as a volunteer advocate who spends a significant part of my life fighting for children at risk of abduction, I can tell you that fighting this fight is not easy: which makes it even that more remarkable to think about the incredible committment displayed by many individuals at OCI. With attention to the decline in reported cases of abduction, significant credit must be given to OCI and its leadership, who continued with an assortment of educational public outreach programs created to help families in crisis. Clearly, their effort is making a difference.

Outreach and education has been the primary catalyst behind the decline in abductions, and undeniably, the work of a select group of organizations, foundations, and individuals have made a sizeable difference in preventing abduction. Unilaterally, the work of child abduction prevention advocates have been able to not only educate families in crisis of abduction, but organizations such as the I CARE Foundation have assisted parents by providing legal counsel during court abduction prevention proceedings. Undeniably, stewarding the public message of abduction risk has made a measurable difference, and the tireless work of these non-government organizations have made a difference. In addition, the vehicles used to reach parents have increased. The books, articles, and reports written and published have mattered. The educational documentary films have made a differene, as too have the creation of several educational websites.

In reflection, the power of social media and global connectivity via the Internet has allowed communities dealing with IPCA to form and grow. These communities have become visible and made a difference to many. And they continue to grow.

Another aspect of why IPCA rates have fallen is that after 30 years since the United States became a member of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Parental Child Abduction (1981), courts and judges charged with overseeing abduction risk are finally beginning to understand the gravity of the situation at hand, and their own limited authority once a child is illegally removed.

From the I CARE Foundation's perspexctive, and keeping in mind that many of our lawyers have worked impressively to educate the courts and judges on the many issues of IPCA. On a personal level, I have voluntarily provided expert testimony before numerous courts in my capacity as the Founding Director of the I CARE Foundation at the request of counsel. In fact, at the request of the United States Department of State, the I CARE Foundation hosted a conference where I had the opportunity to speak at the United Nations as part of the Department of State's 'Global Leadership Visitor Program'. It has been deeply rewarding to know that the I CARE Foundation's efforts have also included rescuing numerous kidnapped and trafficketed children.

Finally, I must say that the incredible effort of a series of parenting bloggers who wrote extensively about IPCA reached millions of other parents, some of who were at risk of having a child abducted. Made aware of their own circumstances (many parents never consider the possibility of IPCA), these at-risk parents were able to act to protect their children - something I know first hand because the I CARE Foundation assisted numerous families in crisis who turned to the foundation for assistance after reading an article posted by a parent blog writer. Remarkably, these amazing parents, all not having any direct association with IPCA, made a major contribution and help protect children.

Are we moving in the right direction? Yes. However, it would be a major mistake to think that we can put our guard down and not push further to remove abduction risk. Clearly there is a great deal to be done on all fronts, including the abduction prevention side, and, equally, on the international compliance side once a child is kidnapped. Sadly, it is anticipated that the total number of children returned home after they are abducted, when including reported and unreported cases of abduction (as defined in the report below), is less than 10%. Which means that approxiamately 90% of all kidnapped children never come home. And the dangers of IPCA are real, and include severe abuse that has led to parental child murder and post-abduction suicide by kidnapped victims. And that is why we must continue to fight against abduction. Afterall, a child's life sure is worth fighting for.

I offer to you the report 'Crisis In America - 2013' (written by Carolyn Ann Vlk, Joel Walter, and Peter Thomas Senese). Carolyn and Joel are two of the hardest working child advocates on the planet. The I CARE Foundation is very fortunate to have their leadership.

Click here to read the report 'Crisis In America -2013'.

Kindest regards to all,

Peter Thomas Senese

Peter Thomas Senese Prepares Groundbreaking Film On International Parental Child Abduction and Trafficking

I am very pleased to confirm that I will be producing on behalf of the I CARE Foundation and Pacifica an upcoming feature documentary film 150,000 Internationally Kidnapped Children focuses on the cataclysmic growth of international parental child kidnapping in the United States, Canada and abroad.  The film will dissect why the hideous crimes against innocent children has reached pandemic levels that have claimed so many lives and what can be done to prevent abduction, while also offering solutions that should be implemented that can help current child-victims of cross-border kidnapping.

The film's title 150,000 Internationally Kidnapped Children originates from a widely distributed and cited study titled Crisis In America written by renown child advocate Carolyn Vlk (a member of the Board of Directors of the I CARE Foundation, and a member of the Special Advisory Board of the Amber Watch Foundation) and myself.  150,000 Internationally Kidnapped Children is the average weighted forecast of that takes into consideration how many children living in The United States, Canada, and Mexico are anticipated to actually be internationally parentally kidnapped over the next ten years.

The film will bring viewers into several intriguing parental child abduction cases, through the legal system available to targeted parents and children, the psychological trauma of kidnapping and its affects, and eventually above a microscope looking at the government agencies and their existing policies responsible for protecting children. Paramount to the film's direction is the intent to offer new solutions to a serious social problem that in the United States alone is expected to cost the American economy over Six Billion dollars over the next decade.

150,000 Internationally Kidnapped Children will also focus on how children of both parental and stranger-abductions are easily removed from one nation's border to another under existing policies in North America, and particularly in Europe.

The I CARE Foundation and several of it's Board of Director members have been studying key aspects of international parental child abduction for some time.  150,000 Internationally Kidnapped Children will include substantial data and information based upon these unique and groundbreaking studies. Studies and information, I might add, that I fully expect will change the landscape of abduction prevention. Which is, by virtue, the mission of the I CARE Foundation.

And of course, I am thrilled to once again be working and writing with Carolyn Vlk, who is one of the brightest and most knowledgeable persons concerning abduction that I know.  In the past, Carolyn Vlk and I produced the important educational documentary film series Chasing Parents: Racing Into The Storms of Child Abduction that has come to benefit many targeted parents from around the world, as well as our publication of the most up-to-date resource guide on child abduction prevention and reunification titled The World Turned Upside Down. For those of you who do not know Ms. Vlk, she has quite an impressive history fighting for children, including being a board member of the I CARE Foundation and a member of the Special Advisory Board of the Amber Watch Foundation.

As a storyteller deeply familiar with the world of child abduction, it is my personal hope that this film will not only raise awareness of parental abduction so targeted parents may act to protect their families, but it is my aspiration to also provide keen social insight into the horrors that exist so our lawmakers will move on new laws and policies that will help protect children in a similar manner that we accomplished through passage of Senate Resolution 543, the State of Florida's Child Abduction Prevention Law, the State of New York's and the State of California's criminal Cyber-Impersonation and Cyber-bullying laws, and the implementation of the highly effective abduction prevention tool - the federal Prevent Departure Program by the Department State in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security.

150,000 Internationally Kidnapped Children  will be released during the late Spring - early Summer, 2013.

Similar to all projects associated with my work as a child advocate and steward raising awareness of child abduction, the 150,000 Internationally Kidnapped Children film is personally funded through charitable donations from my business holdings. 

For those of you interested in learning more about abduction and my writing, may I suggest you read my critically acclaimed novel Chasing The Cyclone - and remember, 100% of all my proceeds from sales of all my books are presently donated to the I CARE Foundation, which sure has created more than a few miracles for children.

Attorney Joel Walter, who is a member of the I CARE Foundation's board of directors and one of the best litigators I know, and who, over the course of many years, has represented many professional athletes and entertainers, and who is intimately involved in the upcoming production recently wrote, "The research on abduction the I CARE Foundation has and continues to conduct is critical to the fight to save children of kidnapping.  In Mr. Senese's upcoming 150,000 Internationally Kidnapped Children film, the work of the I CARE Foundation will act as the story's rudder, guiding the narrative into a solution-oriented universal message. On a personal note, I continue to be flawed at the deep committment of Mr. Senese, including using a tremendous amount of his personal resources, in our fight to help families in crisis.  As a critically acclaimed storyteller and one of the most committed and published child advocates around, combined with the data drawn from the I CARE Foundation's research, we expect 150,000 Internationally Kidnapped Children to become a socially important and influencial film.  We are excited to begin production.  All the resources required are in place, and the story we're about to tell will shock the world."

If you are a parent who has been or is presently targeted to have your child internationally abducted, or if you have been previously abducted and would like share your story, or provide insight into abduction and trafficking, please contact Maria at at the I CARE Foundation.

A Special Message From Peter Thomas Senese

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, I hope that this message finds you and your family physically safe.  I am sad to share that numerous classmates, particularly those I attended elementary school and high school have been badly impacted by the storm.  Should you be interested in helping, or more importantly need assistance, please contact me.

Peter Thomas Senese

Last night, another former classmate of mine had her children internationally parentally abducted.  This was not the first time someone I went to school with experienced having a child illegally removed from the country – an act of kidnapping that sees few children ever safely returned home.  Indeed, the Christmas Holiday Season is amongst us – which means it is international parental child abduction season (herein known as ‘IPCA’).

So I thought I would specifically share my thoughts to my former classmates and provide some insight on this growing pandemic of international parental child stealing.  First and foremost, please do not think that you directly or through someone you know is immune to this horrendous act.  Reality is, you are but three degrees ofseparation from knowing someone who will have a child kidnapped and illegally taken or detained abroad.

But awareness of IPCA makes a tremendous difference – and right now, the Christmas Season is one of the bi-annual seasons of abduction. 

Now, most of you might be asking why in the world am I writing about IPCA, and why should you continue reading this?

Chasing The Cyclone

My answer is simple: hundreds of thousands of innocent children are targeted for international parental kidnapping each year. This is kidnapping under U.S. federal law. And yes, this plague hit my shore several years ago.  It was with a lot of everything, that I was able to safely bring my child home. During that time, I made a promise I would do my part to help other children and targeted parents so they would never have to go through what I did, as portrayed in my latest novel ‘Chasing theCyclone’.

In my capacity as the Founding Director of the not-for-profit I CARE Foundation, I am day-in and day-out at the battlefront of child abduction prevention andrecovery.  In a short time, the I CARE Foundation has accomplished some important things in the fight against abduction including assisting bring home or protect dozens of children targeted or kidnapped.

Amongst our activity and mission is conducting research in the area of IPCA (which in part was why the I CARE Foundation was invited to speak at the United Nations), pass new laws or policies that protect children, build a large, pro bono network of highly trained lawyers willing to come to the assistance of targeted families while also assisting the United States Department of State build their Hague Convention Attorney Network, and whenever possible, protect or help bring home a kidnapped child. 

Despite our efforts, it is expected that between 100,000 to 125,000 American Children and anywhere from 12,500 to 20,000 Canadian children will be internationally kidnapped over the next ten years. 

I know – hard to imagine, but a cruel reality.  And these projections do not include the number of children who are targeted for abduction but never taken.

And only 10% of these children safely come home.

As in all cases of parental abduction, these crimes against children are well-thought-out, well-planned and designed to catch a targeted parent off-guard and unsuspecting that a horrible scheme is underway to have their child taken.

However, if you know the warning signs to look for, parents have a fair chance of protecting their child or children from abduction.

Remember, the child abduction season has arrived. Don't let your child be abducted. Educate yourself.

What To Look For

 In many instances of cross-border parental child abduction that occurs during the holiday season, generally the largest number of incidents takes place when one parent travels to another country with their child or children of a relationship accompanied by, or with the initial consent of the other parent.

Generally, the travel takes place under a guise of a holiday trip abroad to visit family members of the parent intending to abduct. Of course, the targeted parent is clueless as to what is really going on.

The World Turned Upside Down

So for example, Father X was born and raised in the Middle East but married Woman Y, who is an American citizen. The couple lives in the United States, where their child was born and raised.

Unknown to the woman in the relationship, the husband wants to end the relationship and relocate back to his country of origin back in the Middle East. However, he has one problem: he knows that his wife will never allow for him to legally take the child with him.

So instead of announcing his true intent to separate, the husband will create critically important misdirection. Meaning, he will do everything possible to make his wife believe that he is happy and committed in the relationship.

I did say everything possible.

Why?

Because it is critical that she put her guard down and not suspect any foul play or scheme.

In the meantime, little things - that are really big things - may be taking place visibly or without knowledge of the targeted parent. There are many warning signs to look for, but if the subtleties are not carefully considered, then the would-be abductor will get away with their plan.

So the husband who is intending to abduct the child by wrongfully detaining the child abroad will continue to create a facade of being happily married and committed to the relationship while carefully laying out a plan to get the child abroad.

Eventually, and right about this time of the year, the would-be abductor makes the suggestion that it would be 'great' or 'nice' or 'meaningful' to travel abroad together or without the other parent (depending on reasonable circumstances) in order to see his parents, siblings, and extended family. And of course, all of this is in the best interest of the child of the partnership.

Now, since the wife may believe the husband is committed to their relationship and does not even consider that he may have intent to not return to their marital home, she more than likely is willing to consent to the holiday vacation.

Unfortunately for the mother and child, the trip takes place.

Unknown to both, the parent intending to abduct has already hatched a well-thought out plan, including what may be necessary to keep the child abroad while removing the other parent's rights to the child abroad.

Everything is deception - and everything must be considered.

For example: the husband may ship certain belongings like a crib or a stroller and other items of the child that may create the appearance the other parent knew he was relocating - and gave consent! Or, he may have begun to move his assets abroad.

Once abroad with his wife and child, the would-be abductor may make false accusations of child or spousal abuse (men and women both claim abuse in cases of of planned abduction), claims of drug use, or any other claim that may indicate that the child is at risk.

By stating the child is at risk, this could potentially allow a local court in the foreign country to grant him immediate custody of the child - even though the child's original jurisdiction is in the country they were born and raised. In addition, in cases where a Hague Application may be filed, the abductor has laid ground for an Article 13 Defense (which revolves around the best interest of the child and is also known as the 'Slander Defense'). In nearly every case of abduction, the parent intiending to abduct has cleverly orchestrated a public defamation campaign against the other parent - one that is typically concealed under the veil of anonymity.  Additionally, there are malicious and untruthful claims of spousal or child abuse made (by both men and women, equally).

If it sounds complicated, it is.

It is important for individuals married or in a relationship with partners who originate from non-Hague countries such as those located in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to understand that if you are traveling to nations located in these areas and the other parent intends to not return to the child to the country of original jurisdiction, there is a very good chance they will be successful in keeping the child abroad . . . and your contact will be limited or absolved completely. Additionally, it is important to pay careful attention to Hague-Convention non-complying countries such as Germany, Brazil, Mexico, and Poland.

Of course, if you ever plan to travel abroad and have been involved in a suspicious or strained relationship, please contact an attorney who is familiar with international parental child abduction prevention.

Additionally, I strongly advise you consider obtaining a court order prior to travel that the child is to be returned. However, remember - in countries that are not members of international treaties regarding abduction or do not comply to such said treaties - if a child is taken - it will be very costly and difficult to bring your child home.

So - if you have any suspicion that abduction might be planned - and this time of year is the planning period for the high number of Christmas Holiday Abductions that occur - seek the advice of a qualified lawyer - and do not let your child travel abroad under any circumstance. Pay attention to the warning signs and act now!

The Power of A Book – A Little History

I am pleased to share my deeply inspired novel Chasing The Cyclone continues to have asignificant impact on a large and growing number of children and targeted parents of international abduction, and has helped pave the way for more than a few miracles. 

In fact, the natural progress of events beginning from the initial e-book publication of Chasing The Cyclone led to the creation of the not-for profit I CARE Foundation. I am happy to share that through the efforts of the I CARE Foundation dozens of children who have either been internationally kidnapped or who have been targeted for international abduction have either been safely reunited with their families or were actually protected from abduction, and remain safely home.

This is a fairly significant statement when considering that the foundation's volunteer reunification efforts represent a noteworthy number of all American children who have come home. Truth is, the majority of children will never come home. Some simply can't: they are gone forever.

And this sentiment is not a piece of fiction: it is reality. And it sucks. And it is worth standing up and fighting for.

I think for any author, the biggest goal when writing any book is to have an impact on your intended audience. The financial success of a book is obviously important; however, the desire to influence others is the real intent.

And with dozens of children either rescued or protected from abduction thus far, combined with the many initiatives the I CARE Foundation has under way that will further help others, I am pleased with Chasing The Cyclone's impact thus far. But there is a long way to go.

Having seen first-hand the horrors of abduction, I am committed to continuing fighting this fight. Fortunately, governments from around the world are taking notice of the I CARE Foundation's work - which means we're making a difference.

In't Visitors Leadership Program

In fact, last month I had the opportunity to participate in the United States’ Department of State's 'International Visitor Leadership Program' at the United States’ Mission to the United Nations concerning the foundation's advanced work in child abduction and human trafficking prevention. It was a great honor, particularly when considering some of the incredible global leaders who have previously participated in the program.  And I recently received a very special American Flag and U.S. Senate citation for my volunteer work with the I CARE Foundation.

Unquestionably, the publication of 'Chasing The Cyclone' has helped many parents and children: new laws have been passed, new policies implemented, and new legislation that could help stop abduction and trafficking is on the horizon - and children are home.

My own financial commitment to the I CARE Foundation and support of the organization's efforts to help children remains steadfast as shared by I CARE Board Member, Hague Convention Attorney Network member and highly respect attorney Joel Walter in avery kind article he shared on his website. In fact, I have donated 100% of allof my various novel's proceeds over the past year to the I CARE Foundation: it is a commitment I intend to continue (outside of the month of November, when all proceeds will be donated to help victims of Hurricane Sandy).

Being able to assist the I CARE Foundation has been a responsibility of mine that in truth has been a privilege to uphold.

 But truth is, nearly seven years ago I never even knew the collective words international parental child abduction were. Nor did I realize that I was one of a surging number of individuals who were not familiar with this vernacular. And quite frankly, at that time, most individuals in society did not realize the severity of this crime or what a chasing parent will go through to safely bring home their child. Nor did they realize that sociopathic tendencies of an abusive abductor, who, not only would kidnap a child, but would attempt to slander and defame the targeted other parent because international law has established a loophole known as the 'Abductors Defense' (Hague Convention: Article 13) that know targeted parent is immune from.

No child should ever be abducted.  And I intend to continue pushing the mountain of abduction back.  Fortunately, our numbers, particularly within our highly skilled attorney network, grows.

I am pleased to share that any monies generated from the of any books I have written during the month of November will be 100% donated to help former classmates impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Followed by a return of 100% of monies generated from my book sales to be directed to the I CARE Foundation.To purchase any of my novels, please visit Amazon or BN. 

I wish each of you and your families safety and happiness during these challenges times that have surely impacted all of us. And should you need to contact me or the I CARE Foundation, do not hesitate to do so. 

In the spirit of friendship,

Peter Thomas Senese

Click here to learn more about International Parental Child Abduction.

Rockaway Beach and Riis Park - Hurricane Sandy's Destruction

In the aftermath of the brunt of Hurricane Sandy's massive storm on the New York metropolitan area, I had a chance to get out and take some video footage of Rockaway Beach and Riis Park.  

Last night the Atlantic Ocean and it's 7 to 10 foot swells roared past the sand beach, crashed into and destroyed the concrete or brick sea walls, and then continued toward Jamaica Bay.  As it did, with the streets drowning with the Atlantic - some areas of Riis and Rockaway had water levels as high as 9 feet high - anything and everything that got in its way was destroyed. 

Combining this devastation that clearly has destroyed an enourmous amount of homes is the tragedy that occurred last night in Breezy Point, Queens - where at least 80 homes burnt to ash in wake of a wind-fueled electric fire. 

The destruction that hit this beautiful penninsula of Queens was tremendous.  In the coming days there will be an assortment of fundraisers to help those that have lost so much.   Please do what you can to help others.

 

Peter Thomas Senese's Novel Chasing The Cyclone Benefits Kidnapped Children

Chasing The Cyclone
by
Peter Thomas Senese 

The power of a book is undeniably alive and well, as exemplified by how the publication of Chasing The Cyclone has had a tremendous impact on helping children at-risk of abduction.

I am pleased to share my deeply inspired novel Chasing The Cyclone has had a significant impact on a large and growing number of children and targeted parents of international abduction.  The information contained in the novel have helped parents from all around the world understand the issues of international child abduction, while offering viable ways parents can protect their children and themselves from abduction. Equally, 100% of all of my various novel's proceeds over the past year have been donated to the I CARE Foundation, which in turn has helped reunite dozens of internationally kidnapped children - including three more children this weekend - or prevented the actual international abduction of children. 

Best-Selling Author
Peter Thomas Senese 

I think for any author, the biggest goal when writing any book is to have an impact on your intended audience.  The financial success of a book is obviously important; however, the desire to influence others is the real desire.

And with dozens of children either rescued or protected from abduction thus far, combined with the many initiatives the I CARE Foundation has under way that will further help others, I am pleased with Chasing The Cyclone's impact thus far. 

Nevertheless, with 100,000 to 125,000 American children and nearly 20,000 Canadian children expected to be internationally kidnapped over the next 10 years, the success of Chasing The Cyclone and the I CARE Foundation is tempered by the reality that there is a long way to go.  This notion is underscored by the reality that only 10% of internationally kidnapped children come home. 

The American Flag
and
U.S. Senate Citation

Having seen first-hand the horrors of abduction, I am committed to continuing fighting this fight.  Fortunately, governments from around the world are taking notice of the I CARE Foundation's work - which means we're making a difference. 

In fact, it was a tremendous honor and humbling experience to receive this majestic American Flag flown over the United States Capitol Building at the request of the Senate in appreciation for my volunteer work and support of the I CARE Foundation. 

From Left to Right
Chris Morris, Eugene Pothy &
I CARE Founder Peter Thomas Senese

Additionally, last month I had the opportunity to participate in the United State's Department of State's 'International Visitor Leadership Program' at the United State's Mission to the United Nations concerning the foundation's advanced work in child abduction and human trafficking prevention.  It was a great honor, particularly when considering some of the incredible global leaders who have previously participated in the program. 

Unquestionably, the publication of 'Chasing The Cyclone' has helped many parents and children:  new laws have been passed, new policies implemented, and new legislation that could help stop abduction and trafficking is on the horizon - and children are home. 

My financial commitment to the I CARE Foundation and support of the organization's efforts to help children remains steadfast as shared by I CARE Board Member, Hague Convention Attorney Network member and highly respect attorneyJoel Walter in a very kind article he shared on his website.

Being able to assist the I CARE Foundation has been a responsibility of mine that in truth has been a privilege to uphold.                                            



THE I CARE FOUNDATION

I invite you to read about the work of the I CARE Foundation.
                                                             
All from a book called 'Chasing The Cyclone' that was inspired by the time in my life I was required to chase into the storms of abduction.

One final note, and this is personally extremely important to me to share.  Before I raised my voice and tried to make a difference in the fight against IPCA, there were, as there are today other wonderful advocates who have fought so hard to protect children by raising their voice, using their resources to fight a good fight, and to pass new laws that will protect children.  I recognize and applaud each of these individuals who make up the community of child advocates who are dedicated to protecting children.

For more on me, Peter Thomas Senese, I invite you to visit my official website.

Three More Abducted Children Returned Home - One Of Canada's Top Parenting Writers Interviews Peter Thomas Senese

When I think of all the interviews I have done so far concering international parental child abduction and 'Chasing The Cyclone', one published interview stands out for: the one that Jennifer Cluff, voted one of Canada's Top 5 Parenting Bloggers conducted with me.

Today, as I share this interview, I am thrilled to share that 3 more internationally abducted children were returned home in accordance to the rules of the Hague Convention.   This was a tremendous accomplishment . . . still find it odd how parents who illegally take or detain a child or children in a foreign country without a court order don't think they're child abductors.

Nevertheless, today we celebrate, while also being reminded just how important it is to raise awareness of the possibility of international child abduciton.

One of the ways the I CARE Foundation has done this is by createing a grassroots awareness campaign with the devout assistance of some of the world's best parenting bloggers.   In a short time, their reach and impact has been incredible.

In fact, speaking of Jennifer Cluff and the interview she conducted with me, several targeted children of abduction were not illegally taken because reader-parents of her insightful blog read material she posted about abduciton and prevention, and then took action to prevent this from occurring.

Here's the interview conducted by Mom-ology.

Novelist Peter Senese Makes Donation To I CARE Foundation To Protect Children

                                         THE I CARE FOUNDATION

I am pleased to share that I have made another important donation to the I CARE Foundation as the organization prepares to move on new legislative initiatives that will help protect children. Like anything, financial resources are vital to the ability of making things happen. And I can't think of anything more worthwhile in my advocacy than protecting children from abduciton and trafficking. 

Incenitve to do so? Reminders of why this was important?

Perhaps my fellow I CARE Foundation Board member Joel S. Walter, who I think happens to be one of the best family law attorneys in New York City said it best when he shared, "Your continual financial support and dedication to children through your generous financial support of the I CARE Foundation has had a great influence on so many lives. Truth is, our work continues to protect at-risk children. Thank you for your support and effort my old friend."

Well, Joel, if you're reading this, you know I am happy to play my role to help others.

At the beginning of the 2012 New Year, I made a series of financial donations to the I CARE Foundation for operations expenses as well as providing some resources to assist children of international parental child abduction. In addition, I pledged to donate 100% of my e-book royalites from my international thrillers including 'Chasing The Cyclone', 'The Den of the Assassin', and 'Cloning Christ' to the I CARE Foundation outside of any other contributions I intended.

Here is what some of the results of what we've been able to accomplish so far:

1. The I CARE Foundation has helped recover a significant number of internationally abducted children.

2. The I CARE Foundation has helped prevent a large number of international kidnappings.

3. The I CARE Foundation has continued to build a national pro bono network of attorneys willing to assist at-risk children.

4. The I CARE Foundation has worked hard to continue to create new laws that will protect at-risk children.

5. The I CARE Foundation has created various campaigns to help raise awarenss of child abduction so children can be protected.

 

Please find below is part of the promise I made nearly a year ago to help others: the donation of my book revenue generated from Barnes & Noble to the I CARE Foundation.

Here are sworn testimonials from other parents who I and the I CARE Foundation have helped along the way. They speak loud and clear.

For more on me, please visit the official website of Peter Thomas Senese