Peter Thomas Senese: The Executive Director Of The I CARE Foundation, Best-selling Author, Activist

Peter Thomas Senese and the I CARE Foundation have made a significant contribution protecting children from international abduction. Since the I CARE Foundation’s inception, the reported U.S. outbound child abduction rate has declined 38% since 2009. Under Peter’s leadership the I CARE Foundation’s International Travel Child Consent Form has been called a groundbreaking global child abduction prevention tool praised by the international legal community

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Honoring A Father Who Fought For 10 Years To Reunite With His Son

Recently I spent several days in Washington, D.C. on behalf of the I CARE Foundation as we continue our legislative initiatives to create new laws or modify existing laws that will protect children from international parental child abduction or from human trafficking.

During our visit and various meetings, we were honored to have the American Flag flown over the United States Capitol on behalf of several of our board members as well as on behalf of several children who the I CARE Foundation assisted in safely bringing home.

It is my great privilege to have received a very special American Flag and citation for Philippe, the son of my very dear friend Eugene. Philippe was reunited with his father after nearly 10 years apart: as a toddler child, he was detained without his father's permission in the Ivory Coast. However, all that changed on January 17th, 2012, when Philippe walked through the United States Customs exit at John F. Kennedy airport in New York City and into the arms of his loving father. Miracles do happen.

The American Flag flown in Philippes honor is a reminder to Philippe that this great nation - the nation of his birth - is his home. The flag is also a testament to the great love his father has for him as it acknowledges the never-ending quest for Eugene to reunite with his son.

When I think of heroes in my own life, one of the first persons that comes to mind is my pal Eugene. Eugene left the war-torn country of the Ivory Coast and came to the United States of America in hope of creating a better life for himself. Armed with a masters degree in maritime engineering and fluent in many languages, he made his way in New York City. And when his child was detained in Africa without his permission, Eugene held onto his faith and dug deep within his character to never give up the hope and belief that one day he would reunite with his son.

In early December of 2011 a sliver of hope and opportunity presented itself that perhaps Eugene would reunite with his son. I was thrilled to play a role in facilitating that hope into a reality.

So Philippe, if you ever read this, I want you to know, as I have said to you on occasion, that your father is a great man who loves you with all of his heart. The American Flag you are about to receive from me and the I CARE Foundation was flown in honor of both you and your father.

We are all so proud of you.

Peter Thomas Senese

Testimonials

As the Founding Director of the I CARE Foundation, Peter Thomas Senese has helped reunite many children who were previously internationally kidnapped and has assisted an even larger number of children who have been at risk of abduction. Since the I CARE Foundation's formal operations commenced, reported cases of international parental child abduction have declined by 15% per year (fiscal years 2011 and 2012) after nearly 30 years of fast-paced growth. Outside of advocating for children at risk of abduction, Peter Thomas Senese has come to the aid of numerous individuals fighting life-threatening illnesses, including many children. Click on the image above to read the sworn testimonials!

Reported Cases Of U.S. International Parental Child Abduction Rate Drops By 15% Second Year In Row

Since the I CARE Foundation commenced operations, reported cases of outbound international parental child abduction statistics demonstrate that there has been a miraculous 15% drop in international kidnappings for two consecutive years (fiscal year ending 2011 and 2012). The outreach of advocacy groups such as the I CARE Foundation along with increased efforts by the U.S. government's Office of Childrens Issues has led the charge to combat abduction that may be best described as a run-away train illuminated by 30 previous years of skyrocketing abduction rate. Outreach about the warning signs and risk factors of abduction combined with a strong effort to educate the courts on the complex legal dynamics of parental abduction, and, new laws and policies geared to protect children are making a difference. Despite great strides being made, a somber mood still exists due to the poor rate of children being returned home, which is anticipated to be around 10% when considering reported cases of abduction and expected unreported cases of abduction.

The I CARE Foundation

The I CARE Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing international child abduction and trafficking. The foundation has been very effective in working to have new state and federal laws and policies implemented, or existing policies modified, geared toward protecting children of abduction. Since commencement of the I CARE Foundation's operations, the reported number of international parental child abductions originating from the United States has declined by over 15% per year during fiscal years 2011 and 2012, after nearly 30 years of abduction growth. Though focused on research and new policy implementation, the I CARE Foundation has played key roles in reuniting dozens of internationally abducted children while preventing many more cross-border abductions.

International Child Abduction Educational Film Series

In an effort to help families in crisis due to an international parental child abduction plan or actual kidnapping, I have created a detailed educational documentary film series titled Chasing Parents: Racing Into The Storms Of International Parental Child Abduction. Many targeted parents and advocates from around the world have found this series to be extremely useful. Click here to see the entire film series. Below is Chasing Parents: An Overview of International Parental Child Abduction (Part I).

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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Honoring A Father Who Fought For 10 Years To Reunite With His Son