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The Centre
Organisation
The International Child Abduction Centre in the Netherlands is an independent information and advice centre, established in 2006 by Stichting de Ombudsman (Ombudsman Foundation) in collaboration with Defence for Children International Nederland, Stichting Lawine (The Avalanche Foundation) and Stichting Gestolen Kinderen (Foundation for Stolen Children).
The Centre is subsidised by the Ministry of Justice.
Vision
The International Child Abduction Centre in the Netherlands helps you understand the most important terms that are significant within the world of international child abduction. We will advise you about the various legal options available to you and also help you find a solution to your problem. On this website you will find case-studies and the most important agreements and forms concerning international child abduction.
The Centre specialises in cases of international child abduction, where one of the parents is the abductor. Our legal experts provide up-to-date information, advice and guidance. The information provided is impartial.
The Centre takes part in an international agreement with similar organisations abroad. We encourage new forms of dispute settlement concerning problems involving families where child abduction is an issue.
The Centre also provides information to the government and politicians about issues that it has raised. This centre of excellence is accessible to all and offers a platform for experts who would like to carry out research into the consequences of child abduction.
Basic assumptions
The International Child Abduction Centre in the Netherlands employs legal experts. They provide up-to-date information, advice and guidance to parents, other involved parties and those who encounter (the threat of) child abduction in the course of their work. This information is impartial. We, therefore, work on the basis of the following basic assumptions:
- the interests of the child are the primary concern
- the child has a right to have a relationship or have contact with both parents
- both parents are responsible for finding solutions regarding authority and access that are appropriate for the child and are suitable for both parents
- abducting the child to another country is not the solution when there is conflict between parents
Privacy
Telephone conversations, contact and advice are given in strict confidence.
We do not take on the role of legal representative or lawyer. We can, however, provide guidance and, if necessary, refer you to a lawyer or mediator.
The information on the website has been based on the Dutch law and legislation.
Annual report
Below, you will find the annual report from the International Child Abduction Centre in the Netherlands.
Volunteers
Some clients require more than the telephone-based contact and help offered by the legal experts. It is, therefore, important to have volunteers in place who, when necessary, can visit the individual requesting help. In order to provide appropriate advice, it is necessary to have extensive information about the situation surrounding the abduction or the threatened abduction. The volunteer has more time to talk to the client about the case in great detail. Volunteers also support clients during meetings with various agencies including the ‘Raad voor de Kinderbescherming’ (Board for the Protection of Children), ‘Jeugdzorg’ (Youth care), the police and ‘access’ centres.
Individuals are trained before they are allowed to become volunteers.
The number of hours worked by a volunteer varies per case and it is not usually possible to estimate this.
Vacancies
At the moment there are no vacancies.
Contact
Centrum Internationale Kinderontvoering
P.O. Box 2006
1200 CA Hilversum
The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 (0)88 800 9000
Fax: +31 (0)88 800 9090
Email: info@kinderontvoering.org
We are working together with the following Organisations and NGO's in the Netherlands:
Central Authority: Ministerie van Justisite
P.O. Box 20301, 2500 EH Den Haag
Telephone: 0031 (0)70 - 3706252 (between 10-12 and 14-16)
Website
Defence for Children International Nederland
P.O. Box 75297, 1070 AG Amsterdam
Telephone: 0031 (0)20 420 3771
Fax: 0031 (0) 20 420 3832
E-mail: info@defenceforchildren.nl
Website
International Social Service (ISS)
Telephone: 0031 (0)73-6911450
E-mail: ISS@fiom.nl
Website
Stichting Lawine
Landelijke organisatie van en voor biculturele relaties en gezinnen.
P.O. Box 56690, 1040 AR Amsterdam
Telephone: 0031 (0)6- 20307040
E-mail: st.lawine@worldonline.nl
Website
Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken
P.O. Box 20061, 2500 EB Den Haag
Telephone: 0031 (0)70-3486486
Fax: 0031 (0)70-3484848
Website
Hulplijn Vermiste Personen (Nederlandse Rode Kruis)
Telephone: 0800-VERMIST / 0800-83 76 478
Website
Kinderrechten collectief
Website
Bureau jeugdzorg
Website
We are working with the following Organisations and NGO's in the foreign countries:
Child Focus
Telephone: 0032 2 475 44 11
Website
International Social Service
ISS Internationaal (telephone): 0041 22 906 77 00
E-mail info@iss-ssi.org; irc-cir@iss-ssi.org
Website
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Telephone: 001 800 843 5678
Website
Reunite
Telephone: 0044 116 2556 234
Website