The U.S. Department of State can help you take steps to prevent your child from being taken out of the country without your permission.
We offer several resources — like the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP) and support from our Prevention Team—to help you act early, stay informed, and access legal protections. These tools are part of U.S. law and the Hague Abduction Convention, an international treaty that supports families facing abduction across borders.
Whether you are just beginning to explore this topic, looking to take urgent action, or returning to enroll in a program like CPIAP, the resources below can guide your next step.
Contact the Office of Children’s Issues – Prevention Team
1-888-407-4747 (U.S./Canada)
+1 202-501-4444 (from abroad)
Email: PreventAbduction1@state.gov
To help us act quickly, please have the following information ready:
CPIAP lets the Department of State alert a parent or legal guardian if someone applies for a U.S. passport for their child. It is one of the most effective ways to help prevent a child from being taken abroad without consent.
