Incoming Cases


Abductions to the United States

The Office of Children’s Issues handles “incoming” Hague child abduction cases – that is, abductions of children to the United States from countries that are partners under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.  If you are a parent whose child has been taken to the United States from a Hague Convention country in violation of your parental rights, the Office of Children's Issues is here to help you. We offer many services that you might find valuable during this difficult time.

Services for Incoming Abduction Cases

The services that the Office of Children’s Issues provides for incoming abduction cases include:

  • Accepting applications for return or access from Foreign Central Authorities;
  • Assisting left-behind parents in locating their children within the United States;
  • Attempting to achieve voluntary returns or access where possible;
  • Assisting left-behind parents with securing attorneys, including attorneys willing to work on a pro bono or reduced-fee basis for qualified parents; and
  • Assisting with return of children to their habitual residence abroad.

The Office of Children’s Issues stands ready to assist abducted children and their parents in resolving these difficult and painful cases.  For more information, please contact our office at AbductionUSCA@state.gov.

Non-Hague Incoming Cases

If you are a parent whose child has been taken to the United States from a country that is not on our Hague Abduction Convention partner list, the Hague Abduction Convention is not available to you as a potential remedy.  Our office does not have the authority to take action on non-Hague incoming cases, but the following resources may help you pursue action: 

  • National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC):  NCMEC is a non-profit non-government organization in the United States that may be able to offer you assistance.  NCMEC specializes in particular at locating missing children.  Visit NCMEC’s website or call 1-800-THE-LOST.

  • Your Country’s Embassy in the United States:  Contact your embassy in the United States to determine if any assistance is available. 

  • Law Enforcement:  INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organization, with 187 member countries.  If your child was taken from an INTERPOL member country, consult with law enforcement authorities in the country from which the child was taken to ask for their assistance to seek an INTERPOL Notice.  Law enforcement authorities in the country from which the child was taken can also help you determine if the parent that took your child to the United States has violated your country’s laws.   Additionally, you may wish to also contact law enforcement authorities in the U.S. state where your child is located and ask whether they can help.

  • Attorneys:  Consult with an attorney in the country from which the child was taken to determine what civil remedies are available, as well as an attorney in the United States.  If you know the location of your child in the United States, contacting an attorney in that U.S. state can be very helpful.  Our website also contains information about obtaining legal aid in the United States.