Guide: Missing or Abducted Child AbroadUnited States
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Summary
Emergency procedure in case of disappearance or international parental abduction.
Missing Child: Act Immediately
The disappearance of a child is an absolute emergency. Every minute counts.
Disappearance (Unknown Cause)
Immediately
- Call local police
- Search the surrounding area
- Alert people around you
- Contact the embassy
Information to Provide
- Recent photo
- Physical description
- Clothing worn
- Location and time of disappearance
- Circumstances
International Parental Abduction
Definition
When a parent takes the child to another country without the agreement of the other parent or in violation of a court decision.
The Hague Convention
- Return of the child to their country of residence
- Applicable between signatory countries
- Specific procedure
Steps
- Report to police
- Contact the French Central Authority
- Specialized lawyer
- Return procedure
Essential Contacts
In France
- Central Authority: Bureau of International Civil and Commercial Mutual Assistance
- 116 000: Missing Children
On-site
- Local police
- French Embassy
- Interpol (via police)
Prevention
If risk of abduction
- Alert the authorities
- Register the child in the file of persons being sought
- Opposition to leaving the territory
- Keep the child's documents
After Return
- Psychological follow-up
- Judicial measures
- Prevention of recurrence
Frequently Asked Questions
Que faire si l'autre parent a emmené mon enfant à l'étranger ?
Signalez immédiatement à la police et contactez l'Autorité Centrale française pour enclencher la procédure de La Haye.
La Convention de La Haye s'applique-t-elle à tous les pays ?
Non, seulement aux pays signataires. Pour les autres, des procédures diplomatiques sont nécessaires.
Puis-je empêcher mon enfant de quitter la France ?
Oui, via une opposition à la sortie du territoire. Contactez un avocat et le tribunal.