NCJ Number
201312
Date Published
July 1997
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This document is designed to assist the left-behind parent affected by international child abduction.
Abstract
When a child is abducted across international borders, the difficulties are compounded for everyone involved. The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues (CI) is designated to provide assistance to the victims of international parental child abduction. Since the late 1970's, CI has been contacted in the cases of approximately 11,000 American children that were either abducted from the United States or prevented from returning to the United States by one of their parents. The deprived parent must direct the search and recovery operation. A checklist has been prepared to be included when a report of an abduction case has been made to CI. CI needs to be informed of any developments in the case. This booklet discusses what can and cannot be done by the Department of State to help. Many cases of international parental child abduction are actually cases in which the child traveled to a foreign country with the approval of both parents but was later prevented from returning to the United States. Parents must be alert to the possibility and be prepared by keeping a list of the addresses and telephone numbers of the other parent’s relatives, friends, and business associates both here and abroad. Parents should also keep a record of important information on the other parent, including these numbers: passport, social security, bank account, driver’s license, and auto license. Keep a written description of the child, including hair and eye color, height, weight, and any special physical characteristics. Take color photographs of the child every 6 months. If divorce or separation is being contemplated, obtain a decree of sole custody or a decree that prohibits the travel of the child without the custodian or court’s permission as soon as possible. In cases of joint custody decree, make certain that it prohibits the child from traveling abroad without the custodian or court’s permission.