What to do immediately if your child is abducted

Take the following steps without delay. Time is critical under the Hague Convention.

1. Call emergency services: Report the abduction to local police. Provide photos, custody orders, and travel data.
2. Contact your Central Authority: Initiate a Hague application if the child is taken across an international border.
3. Engage legal counsel: Retain a lawyer experienced in cross-border abduction cases in your jurisdiction.
4. Preserve evidence: Export call logs, messages, social posts, and location history. Back them up.
5. Notify border/customs agencies: Where available, request alerts and travel holds.
6. Inform schools and caregivers: Provide immediate notice and updated contact protocols.

Next, review the After Abduction page for continued actions.