Parental Child Abduction

The following services may be of assistance where a child has been taken overseas by one of their parents, without the permission of the other parent. These services will also offer advice and assistance to police officers dealing with a parental child abduction report.

Reunite International is a leading UK charity specialising in the movement of children across international borders. Reunite provides an Advice line for parents affected by parental child abduction and can provide advice on who to approach for legal assistance and how to try and prevent a child from being taken out of the UK without consent. Police are also encouraged to contact Reunite for advice when dealing with a report of a parental child abduction.  

The International Child Abduction and Contact Unit (ICACU) provides advice and assistance to parents whose children have been taken or kept overseas by the other parent without consent. ICACU can also advise those who fear this will happen. ICACU is the Central Authority in England and Wales for The Hague Convention, Council Regulation (EC) 2201/2003 and the European Convention.  

The International and Human Rights Branch (IHRB) is the contact point in Scotland for parents whose children have been taken or kept overseas by the other parent without consent. The IHRB is the Central Authority in Scotland for The Hague Convention, Council Regulation (EC) 2201/2003 and the European Convention.

The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service is the contact point for Northern Ireland for parents whose children have been taken or kept overseas by the other parent without consent. The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service is the Central Authority in Northern Ireland for The Hague Convention, Council Regulation (EC) 2201/2003 and the European Convention. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Child Abduction Section assists British and Dual British nationals affected by parental child abduction involving non-Hague countries.