According to the United States Department of State, approximately 800 children are abducted by a parent or other family member and taken out of the United States each year. You should know what to do to protect your child if their other parent flees with them from Texas to another country.
What to do when your child is taken out of the country
When the other parent wrongfully takes your child out of the country, violating your child custody rights, you should petition to invoke the International Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of Internal Child Abduction. On top of that, you can also sue the other parent. The International Parental Kidnapping Crime Act makes it a federal offense to take a child outside U.S. borders while violating the other parent’s custodial rights.
You can start this process by contacting Texas police and filing a report. Then, contact the United States Department of State and provide them with as much information as possible about your child and the abduction. They may be able to help you track down your child or get them back home safely.
Preventing international child abductions
One of the best ways to prevent international child abductions is to have a strong relationship with your child. Talk to them about their family and what would happen if they were taken away from you. The more they know about what can happen, the less likely they are to be taken by surprise if it does occur.
Keep your child’s information up to date with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. This includes photos, fingerprints and other identifying information.
It’s also important to be aware of the warning signs of an impending abduction. Some red flags include a parent suddenly wanting to take the child on a trip out of the country, changing the child’s appearance or refusing access to the other parent. If you notice any of these warning signs, contact authorities immediately.
By being informed and proactive, you can help protect your child from being taken abroad. If you ever find yourself in this situation, remember to stay calm and take action quickly. The most important thing is to keep your child safe and get them home as soon as possible.