Art therapy, for example, is a true therapeutic tool in working with children especially in abduction cases. On a recent abduction recovery (that the “left behind” parent was present) the two children were screaming hysterically having been told repeatedly by the abductor that their father was “bad” and would harm them. In less than ten minutes, the children were calmed down to the point that they were responding and clinging to the therapists. In another fifteen minutes, the children were receptive to their father and shortly thereafter, interacting and cuddling with their father. The therapist was able to transfer their acceptance and security from the therapist to their father. Through the counseling and art therapy technique process, the children worked out their feelings onto paper and clay, thereby producing tangible insight into their world and alleviating anxiety. Art produces tangible insight into the child’s world, which may lead to communication and also the alleviation or resolution of dysfunctional behavior, anger, hurt and pain. This is a prime example of the importance of the involvement of a trained professional in these cases.

Therapy for the “left behind” parent is also crucial. While attorneys, investigators, media relation specialists, and law enforcement officers all have critical parts to play in the location, recovery and re-unification process in a parental abduction, most of us have not been “victims” of parental abduction and have no idea the pain that exist when your child is missing. For that reason, PACRT strongly recommends that all left behind parents make contact with Team HOPE (Help Offering Parents Empowerment), a Support Network for Families with Missing Children. Patty Wetterling and Colleen Nick established Team HOPE in 1998 as a support network of families with missing children for families with missing children. Coping with the trauma of having a child who is missing demands courage and determination on the part of parents and other family members, who often feel isolated in facing their fears and frustrations. Parents who have undergone similar crises can help other families of missing children to cope with their situation. Team HOPE can be reached at 1-866-305-4673 or www.teamhope.org.