Six warning signs of possible child abduction

The incidence of international child abductions is greater than official figures reveal.

Some of the warning signs of impending abduction include:

1. The other parent is planning a trip out of the country with your child;
2. Your ex-spouse is coming from overseas, and you are worried they plan to abduct your child;
3. Your ex-spouse wants you to co-sign your child’s passport without good reason;
4. Your  child is a citizen of a country which allows one parent alone to apply for the child’s passport and you have a fear of child abduction;
5. The other parent has a home, a family or other connections overseas and you are concerned that there is no reason for them to stay in your country;
6. The other parent has no substantial property or employment in your country, and nothing keeping them here.

In addition, you should obtain urgent legal advice if:

1. The other parent has already left the country with your child;
2. You are not sure if they plan to return or if you believe they will not return;
3. There is a link to overseas family or property;
4. There is no other significant link to your country.

If any of the above applies to you, you should make an urgent appointment to see a family lawyer for further advice specific to your situation.

How to search for an abducted child

What steps can you take if you want to know the location of a child who you believe has been abducted? Under the Family Law Act, certain people can apply for a location order in relation to a child. A location order is an order made by a court that requires a person to provide information about a child’s location to the court.

The following people can apply for a location order: (Australia)

• a person who a child is to live with in accordance with a parenting order;
• a person who a child is to spend time with in accordance with a parenting order;
• a person who a child is to communicate with under a parenting order;
• a person who has parental responsibility for a child under a parenting order;
• a grandparent of a child;
• any other person concerned with the care, welfare or development of a child;
• For the purposes of the Child Protection Convention, a person (including the Commonwealth Central Authority) may apply to a court for a location order.

If you suspect a child is about to be abducted and taken out of the country you need to act quickly.

Source: Armstrong Legal

 

Published by: ABP World Group International Child Recovery Services

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