Help to return a child taken abroad without consent
International child abduction is if the other parent or guardian:
- takes your child abroad without your consent
- keeps them there without your consent
If this happens, the Central Authority for Scotland may be able to help.
If you live in Scotland and someone takes your child abroad without your consent
The UK is party to the 1980 Hague Convention. This is an agreement that:
- seeks to protect children from harm caused by international child abduction
- provides a procedure for bringing the child back if they’ve been wrongly removed
Contact the Scottish Government for more information and help.
Email: childabduction@gov.scot
Telephone: 0131 244 0460
Or write to:
Central Authority and International Law Team
Scottish Government
St Andrew’s House
Room GW.15
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
If you live abroad and someone takes your child to Scotland without your consent
Every country that has joined the Hague Convention has its own Central Authority which deals with international child abduction.
Contact the Central Authority where you live. They can tell you what to do next.
If your country is not on this list, contact the Scottish Government.
If you live in England or Wales and someone takes your child abroad without your consent
Contact the Central Authority for England and Wales.
If you live abroad and someone takes your child to England or Wales without your consent
Contact the Central Authority where you live.