Nothing is more terrifying to a separated or divorced parent than the fear that the other parent will take your child and disappear. In this case (that appears to be still open) little Brayden Carty was taken by his non-custodial mother from her Virginia apartment during a visit.

Contrary to popular opinion, it isn’t only non-custodial parents who kidnap children. Often, custodial parents (usually mothers), unhappy with a court ruling that allows the other parent any contact with a child, In this comment on Glenn Sacks’ criticism of a California parental kidnapping law, an expert on parental kidnapping has some sobering insights into the extent of the problem: Judi Cochran Comments on Parental Kidnapping.

What can you do to prevent parental kidnapping? Michigan family lawyer, Jeanne Hannah suggests a tracking device that operates on GPS technology. “Swatch Watch,’ Keeps Kids in Sight. . If your concern involves international kidnapping, and you and your child are a United States citizen, you can, under some circumstances, register your child with the United States Department of State U.S. State Department Prevention Tips for International Child Abduction.

Of course, none of this helps Brayden. If you, or anyone you know, may have information that will get him back to his dad, please help. Here is the website for America’s Most Wanted: Help Find Brayden!