International parental child abduction is the removal or retention of a child outside their country of habitual residence in breach of another parent or guardian’s custody rights.  The Office of Children’s Issues within the U.S. Department of State is a leader in U.S. government efforts to prevent international parental child abduction (both from the United States and to the United States), help children and families involved in abduction cases, and promote the objectives of the Hague Abduction Convention.

If you believe your child is in the process of being abducted by a parent, legal guardian, or someone acting on their behalf, call the Office of Children’s Issues: 1-888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444.

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction came into force between the United States and Mauritius on October 1, 1993.

Seychelles is currently not a full member of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction came into force between the United States and France on July 1, 1988.

For in-depth information on the workings of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, visit the Department of State’s International Parental Child Abduction Page.