Nick Lampson: “Mr. Chairman, this $60,000 is intended to cover the cost of expenses relating to the development of a Guide to Best…”

“Mr. Chairman, this $60,000 is intended to cover the cost of expenses relating to the development of a Guide to Best Practice by the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law to cover the application of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Many of my colleagues have heard my drumbeat over the past years regarding problems with the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. We must encourage uniform application of exceptions identified in the Hague Convention. This is jeopardizing the Hague Convention's effectiveness and perverting its original intent. A best practice guide might discuss training for legal professionals, encourage implementation of more effective civil enforcement systems, support for victim families, and improved access to noncustodial or left-behind parents. The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot) and I attended the Fourth Special Commission on the Hague Convention on Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction this past March. The special commission recommended that a best practice guide be developed.”