Child Abduction

Child abduction is prevalent in California. While the words “child abduction” strike fear in families, friends, schools, and communities, most people visualize child abduction as a stranger taking a child. What is more common and less understood is abduction by a parent or family member. According to the United States Department of Justice, each year more than 200,000 children become victims of family abduction. In an effort to increase awareness and educate the public on how common family abduction is and the importance of getting involved, the Public Service Announcement Child Abduction by a Parent or Family Member is a Crime has been developed. Through the launching of this PSA, we aim to create awareness and increase the reporting and investigation of family abduction cases.

Child Abduction by a Parent or Family Member is a Crime



Anuncio de Servicio Público El Secuestro de un Niño por Parte de un Padre o Familiar es un Delito



My child has been abducted within the United States. What do I do?

Contact local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities and provide them with your custody order, a physical description of your child, and your child’s most recent photograph. Ask your law enforcement contacts to enter your child as a missing person in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. You may also contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s 24-hour hotline at 1-877-446-2632.

Contact the Office of Children’s Issues Prevention Branch at 1-888-407-4747. Prevention Branch staff members can assist with enrolling your child in the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program.

** If you have questions about international parental child abduction and want to know more about available services, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s, International Parental Child Abduction website.