Parental Child Abduction

In Canada, the most common form of child abduction is by a parent or guardian. The term parental child abduction refers to when a parent/guardian takes, detains, or conceals a child from the other parent/guardian. It is not uncommon for other family members to assist the abducting parent/guardian with removing or concealing the child.

If your child is abducted by their other parent/guardian, it is important to act quickly in order to recover your child safely as soon as possible. While most parental child abductions are resolved with the searching parent/guardian and the abducted child reunited quickly, parental child abduction is a serious matter that may have lifelong impacts on those involved.

• Indicators of Risk

  What to pay attention to when assessing the risk of your child being abducted by their other parent/guardian.

• Prevention

  What to do to help reduce the risk of your child being abducted by their other parent/guardian.

• Immediate Steps

  What to do immediately if your child has been abducted by their other parent/guardian.