Realistically, we are a very mobile society, so when should a parent be concerned about a former partner taking a child with them out of the Country? What sort of things should they be wary of when giving permission for their children to travel?
A parent is vulnerable to an abduction when:
- The relationship has broken down.
- One of the parents has ties to another country.
- One parent has mentioned taking the child.
- The potential abductor has psychological issues.
- The other country favors the parent that might take the child.
Things to consider when giving permission for children to travel:
- Is the other country a signatory to The Hague convention?
- Has the parent wishing to travel with the children taken any steps to indicate non return, such as: leaving employment; disposing of property; indicating a lack of satisfaction with Canada; being unsuccessful in the courts.
- Use a very clear travel consent form. The department of foreign affairs has one on their website, but the “I care foundation” has a very comprehensive one that covers off intention to return and so on.
- Consider a court order clearly setting out details of the return.
- Contact foreign affairs Ottawa “vulnerable children unit.”
- Speak to experienced counsel here and in the country the other parent is traveling to about the risks.