Custodial Interference Crisis

An urgent need for legal action to better protect children.

Custodial Interference Issues in Colorado

Custodial interference is a severe form of child abuse and family violence that is often ignored and mishandled by law enforcement in Colorado.

Parents who report custodial interference are frequently told it’s a “civil matter” and are advised to take it back to family court, leaving the child at further risk and escalating conflict between parents.

It’s not a civil matter, custodial interference is a felony criminal offense (C.R.S. 18-3-304) where a person willfully violates a valid court order and withholds a child from the a parent or guardian.

By not enforcing custodial interference laws, law enforcement allows ongoing child abuse and harm to the child’s well-being.

Why Custodial Interference Is Often Ignored

Custodial interference is a felony, but law enforcement commonly ignores it, telling parents who report a crime that it’s a “civil matter. Take it back to family court.” Cops and sheriffs who say this are wrong and violate Colorado laws that require them to investigate a reported crime.

When law enforcement fails to enforce custodial interference laws, they play a part in exacerbating child abuse and escalating the conflict between parents.

Dismissing by Law Enforcement

Whether it’s a lack of knowledge or bad training, when law enforcement choses to not enforce, children suffer.

Ineffective Family Courts

When judges fail to enforce their parenting time orders, they allow abusive parents to continue abusing their children.

Children Left Vulnerable

The lack of proper legal enforcement allows children to continue suffering emotional, psychological, and physical harm.

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The Need for Immediate Action to Protect Children

Custodial interference directly threatens a child’s safety and well-being. Despite existing laws designed to protect children, the failure to enforce these laws only perpetuates family violence and places innocent children in jeopardy.

The time to act is now. Law enforcement and family courts must prioritize addressing custodial interference to protect children and hold offenders accountable.

Consequences of Ignoring Custodial Interference

When custodial interference is ignored, it sends a dangerous message to parents: they can violate court orders without consequence. This failure to act tremendously harms children and escalates family violence.

Perpetuating Family Violence: Ignoring custodial interference allows abusive behavior to continue unchecked.
Suffering Children: Children endure ongoing instability, emotional distress, and devastating trauma.
A Further Mockery of Family Court: Family court often does more harm than good at the great emotional and financial expense to children and parents.

The Impact on Families and Family Court

The failure to enforce custodial interference laws has far-reaching consequences. It not only harms children but it also highlights family court’s failure to protect children and families.

Without proper legal action, parents lose trust in the courts, making it more difficult to resolve future custody disputes and protect children from harm. Immediate and effective enforcement is necessary to rebuild trust and ensure that children are protected from harm.

Loss of Trust in the System: When custodial interference is ignored, parents lose faith in the ability of the legal system to protect their children.
Increased Disputes: The failure to hold parents accountable makes it harder to resolve future custody disputes fairly.
Legal System in Crisis: A legal system that doesn’t protect children leaves families in chaos, with lasting consequences for all involved.

Resources for Those Going Through Custodial Interference

If you’re dealing with custodial interference in your custody case, it’s important to take immediate action. Learn more about your rights, how to report custodial interference, and what steps you can take to protect your child.