Child Abduction («Kidnapping»)

This act – although it might seem the right and proper thing to do to the transgressor – can have serious repercussions for the child’s well-being and development. An abduction may indeed deepen the identity crisis the child is already going through. Since in most cases an abduction will cause a complete disruption of all ties between the child and the parent who holds custody rights, it is considered a criminal act. The situation can look differently when the « abducting » parent is his or her primary carer (often the mother). In those cases, the child's best interest must be guaranteed. Subsequently, any legally sustainable solution found must correspond first and foremost to the child's needs.

Our Activities:

• information and counseling on prevention and abduction (cf. Counseling of Binational Couples);
• localising the whereabouts of the abducted child(ren) in Switzerland or abroad;
• setting up protective measures to make sure the child(ren) is/are safe and sound;
• providing an in-depth analysis on the child(ren)'s living conditions giving special attention to their emotional and material situation;
• providing social and legal information and other support to the parent holding custody rights;
• counseling the parent who carried out the abduction;
• transnational family mediation;
• supporting the rehabilitation of child(ren) and parent after repatriation;
• providing legal information and support to state authorities;
• coordinating (on an international scale) all parties involved such as state authorities, lawyers, social services, NGOs and parents in the countries concerned;
• providing expert advice to state authorities;
• making available documents and publications.