Child abduction

An international child abduction usually means cases where a child aged under 16 years with a habitual residence in Finland has been taken abroad without parental consent or the child has not been returned from abroad after the end of the visitation right period.

If the child has been taken to a country that is not a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window), the Ministry for Foreign Affairs will assist in the clarification of the abduction.

The mission can

  • try to contribute to the voluntary return of the child and to help bring about an amicable resolution to the matter
  • help in investigating the whereabouts and conditions of the child, in obtaining legal assistance 
  • assist in seeking general information on the legislation of the state in question
  • assist in communication between the parties to the case
  • transmit information and documents concerning the return of the child 
  • assist in the arrangements for the repatriation of the child