Occurs when a parent takes/retains a child in a foreign country violating custody rights. Hague Convention (topic #796) provides legal framework.
12 steps across 3 sections
1. Prevention Steps
- Obtain court orders prohibiting removal from country.
- Enroll in Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP).
- Hold the child's passport securely.
- Notify schools/caregivers with custody orders.
- Document custody rights with certified copies.
2. Recovery Steps
- Contact Office of Children's Issues — 1-888-407-4747.
- File Hague Convention application if applicable.
- Pursue criminal charges — Federal crime under IPKCA.
- Hire attorneys in both countries.
3. Key Details
- Both parents must consent for child's passport (under 16)
- Federal crime under IPKCA: up to 3 years imprisonment
- Non-Hague countries: recovery extremely difficult