What do we do about international parental child abduction?

The Office of Children’s Issues within the U.S. Department of State is a leader in U.S. government efforts to prevent international parental child abduction (both from the United States and to the United States), help children and families involved in abduction cases, and promote the objectives…

How are children affected by international parental kidnapping?

Child victims of international parental kidnapping are often taken from a familiar environment and suddenly isolated from their community, family, and friends. They may miss months or even years of schooling. The child may be moved to multiple locations in order to stay hidden or out of reach of the parent remaining in the United States.

When to start a Hague Convention child abduction case?

Indeed, it is recommended that Hague cases be completely concluded within six weeks. A Hague case can theoretically be instituted more than a year after the abduction but a defense (or, more precisely, an exception) will then arise if the child has become settled in the new environment.

What do you need to know about child abduction?

requiring supervised visitation, requiring the court’s approval to take the child out of the state or country, and/or, requiring a court or a neutral third party to hold a child’s U.S. and/or foreign passport(s).

When does an international child abduction take place?

According to the agency, an international child abduction occurs when a parent or guardian of a child removes them from Canada remains outside the country without legal authority or the permission of the other parent with full or joint custody rights.

What is the International Child Abduction Remedies Act?

The International Child Abduction Remedies Act expressly authorizes the state or federal court handling a Hague case to order “provisional remedies” to protect the well-being of the child involved or to prevent the child’s further removal or concealment before the final disposition of the petition.

Are there any new child abduction cases in Canada?

The 34 new cases of parental abductions that Global Affairs says it opened in the first five months of 2019 are just a small proportion of the total 250. It’s an unsettling statistic that highlights the lengthy and complex nature of international child abduction cases which can take years to resolve, if they’re ever resolved at all.

How does the US government help with child abduction?

The Office of Children’s Issues within the U.S. Department of State is a leader in U.S. government efforts to prevent international parental child abduction (both from the United States and to the United States), help children and families involved in abduction cases, and promote the objectives of the Hague Abduction Convention.