Over the holiday period, the FCO is reminding people where they can access support if they, or those they know, have been affected
As families enjoy time away from school and work over Christmas and New Year, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) is reminding people of the support available in cases of international parental child abduction.
International parental child abduction is when one parent removes or keeps a child from the country they normally live in, without the consent of the other parent or in breach of a court order.
Parents do not always realise their actions could be classified as abduction or that abduction is a criminal offence.
How can the FCO help?
The FCO can help those affected by child abduction and in custody cases where the child is under 16 and where there is a British link within the family, including in cases where the child is a dual national. FCO support can include:
The FCO has provided assistance in 260 international parental child abduction cases so far this year, and in 2,425 cases since 2010. The FCO is contactable on 020 7008 1500 seven days a week and 24 hours a day. You can also read FCO advice on International Parental Child Abduction here.
Andrew Stephenson MP, Minister for Consular Policy, said:
If you suspect that your child may be abducted, you should also contact the charity reunite, which provides advice and information to parents and families whose children have been, or might be, abducted overseas. You can call them at any time on 01162 556 234 or visit their website.
Alison Shalaby, CEO of reunite, said: