NCJ Number
159756
Date Published
1993
Length
33 pages
Annotation
Directed to parents of children who have been abducted across international borders by the other parent, this manual explains what the United States Department State can and cannot do to assist the left-behind parent and describes other resources to pursue when a child or children have been abducted across international borders.
Abstract
Guidelines on protecting against international child abduction lists precautions that any vulnerable parent should take and explains the importance of a custody decree, how to draft or modify a custody decree, and issues related to United States and foreign passports. Additional sections where to report the missing child, the basic steps in search and recovery, further steps to take in the search, the role of the Hague Convention and how to invoke it, and civil and criminal justice solutions in countries that are not party to the Hague Convention. Additional solutions to settle out of court by promoting communication with the other parent, obtaining information on the child's welfare, and working with foreign authorities are also covered. Directory of sources of assistance, reading list, summary of uniform State and Federal laws on custody and parental child abduction, application for assistance under the Hague Convention, and checklist for parents to use after the abduction