It has stated that it is U.S. policy to «deter child abductions» and that «the Convention's purpose [is] to prevent harms resulting from abductions,» which «can have devastating consequences for a child» and may be «one
of the worst forms
of child abuse» that «can cause psychological problems ranging from depression and
acute stress disorder to posttraumatic stress disorder and identity formation issues» and lead to a child's experiencing «loss
of community and stability, leading to loneliness, anger, and
fear of abandonment» and «may prevent the child from forming a relationship with the left - behind parent, impairing the child's ability to mature.»