House Concurrent Resolution No. 10 addresses the serious issue of family abductions in the United States, where an estimated 260,000 children are abducted annually, with a significant majority of these cases involving a family member, typically a parent. The resolution highlights that family abductions often occur during contentious divorce or custody disputes and may not be recognized as kidnappings by witnesses. 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 to the child, can have devastating effects on families and violate established custodial rights.
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 to better protect vulnerable children. The designation will remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the resolution's passage, emphasizing the commitment of the Texas Legislature to address and combat this crime. The resolution was adopted unanimously by both the House and Senate, reflecting a bipartisan effort to bring attention to the importance of safeguarding children from family abductions.