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Children Issues Abduction

International Parental Child Abductions

Emergencies:  If your child is in the process of being abducted internationally by a family member, and is NOT yet abroad, contact the State Department’s Office of Children’s Issues immediately:

Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST - Call at 202-736-9090

Evenings, Holidays, and Weekends - Call 1-888-407-4747

How the Office of Children’s Issues can help:

  • We can work with law enforcement to try to stop the departure of children being abducted from the United States.
  • If the abductor is transiting a country that is party to the Hague Abduction Convention, we will contact authorities of that country who can attempt to stop the abduction as it is in progress. 
  • If your child has already been abducted to another country, please visit our possible solutions page for more information, and then contact us for assistance. 

For more information please see the Office of Children’s Issues page on International Parental Child Abduction