Suffolk 'child concealment' bill eyed

A Suffolk County legislative committee on Thursday sent to the legislature a resolution meant to highlight abduction cases stemming from child custody disputes.

Instead of an approval, public safety committee members Thursday discharged -- and made no recommendation on -- the resolution defining "child concealment" in local laws.

The resolution was introduced in August by Legis. Edward Romaine (R-Center Moriches), and is now scheduled to be considered at Tuesday's full legislative meeting.

The resolution defines concealment as abduction or other efforts to keep a child from a parent with legal visitation rights. The resolution aims to assist police "in investigating child abduction and child concealment cases."

About 10 speakers addressed the committee to support the resolution, many with personal stories of their children being hidden by ex-spouses. They called for laws better tailored to the complicated family issues behind many child abductions.

But lawmakers noted that, at most, the definition would simply "send a message" about a justice system that often puts children in the middle of dueling protective orders and sometimes false allegations.

"The system is flawed," said Legis. DuWayne Gregory (D-Amityville). "But I think there's some confusion."

Suffolk County Police Chief of Department Robert Moore said the measure wouldn't change penal law. "Even should this pass as written," he said, "this will not overturn judicial orders" of protection.

Even so, a Great Neck attorney dealing in child concealment cases said the resolution was a first step. "It could do no harm," said Jacqueline Harounian.