If your child is missing, an immediate report to law enforcement may keep your child from being abducted.

Steps you can take:

• Contact your local police
• File a missing person report
• Request an entry with your child's name in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. To request an entry, contact law enforcement officers. You can file a missing person report and request your child’s entry into NCIC even if you think your child is in another country.

Some local police may have limited experience with international parental child abduction cases. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) may be able to assist you. Call them at 1-800-843-5678. Also, inform law enforcement if you are working with the Office of Children’s Issues.  

If you report your child as missing and request your child's enrollment into NCIC, this does not automatically start criminal proceedings against the other (taking) parent. Local and state officials may need a custody order before they can open a criminal case or seek a criminal warrant.

The decision to pursue criminal charges may affect your efforts to return your child. Please consult an attorney. They can help you understand how criminal charges may affect your situation.

Keep a record of all the people you speak with, including law enforcement officers. Records should include the names of people you speak to. Also, the dates and times of the conversations and the information provided.

Law Enforcement Entities

Local Police

• Typically receive the first report of an international parental child abduction
• May seek criminal charges. This may be based on a violation of a custody order and your state’s parental kidnapping laws.
• May coordinate with the local prosecutor. Consider meeting with your local prosecutor to understand what may happen next.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

• Consider reporting your case directly to the FBI Field Office in your state.
• Ask to speak with the Crimes Against Children Unit.