House Concurrent Resolution No. 10 addresses the serious issue of family abductions in the United States, which affect an estimated 260,000 children annually, with a significant majority of these cases involving a family member, typically a parent. The resolution highlights that family abductions often arise during contentious divorce or custody disputes and may not be reported due to the relationship between the abductor and the child. In 2022, family abductions accounted for 58% of all AMBER Alerts issued, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of these cases, which, while not always posing immediate physical danger, can have devastating effects on children and families.
In response to this pressing issue, the resolution designates May 23 as Family Abduction Awareness Day in Texas, aiming to raise awareness about the implications of family abductions and the importance of protecting vulnerable children. The resolution emphasizes that parental kidnapping is illegal in all states and is treated as a felony, with law enforcement prioritizing the safe return of abducted children. The designation will remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the resolution's passage, reflecting the legislature's commitment to addressing and mitigating the impacts of family abductions.