Reuniting With Your Child
Reuniting with your child can be a powerful and emotional event, especially if the reunification takes place after a prolonged period of time. You and your child will no doubt be experiencing a wide range of emotions around this important occasion. Your case officer can provide you advice about reunification, and can help coordinate U.S. and foreign government authorities' involvement..
Reunification Resources
- Reunification Funds – The financial costs of reunification to left-behind parents can be substantial. The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has established a fund called The Federal Crime Victim Assistance Fund. When no other resources are available, this fund has at times been used to assist left-behind parents with travel costs associated with reunification. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children administers the OVC funds for left-behind parents. To learn about whether you might qualify for such assistance, contact your case officer.
- Reunification Counselors– Many left-behind parents find it helpful to use the services of a reunification counselor to help guide them through the process. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children maintains a list of reunification counselors. If you think you might benefit from their assistance, ask NCMEC to put you in touch with one of these experts.
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