The guide section discusses the reason why the problem exists; the effectiveness of the country's laws and law enforcement agencies; avenues of parental self-help, including preparing a data sheet on one's ex-spouse and child which can be used in tracking down the missing parent; and current organizations involved with child-stealing and guidelines on starting parent support groups. Additional topics examined are the removal of a child to another country, parent locator services, the use of private detectives, and the physical and emotional aspects of child stealing. Appendixes contain the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act of 1980; current child stealing laws, a State-by-State survey; October 1981 Congressional Hearing; and the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Notes and a reading list are supplied.