Child Abduction and Recovery Unit (CARU)
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The work of the Child Abduction Recovery Unit (CARU) focuses on protecting the custody and visitation rights of parents and legal guardians. To this end, CARU:
On a routine basis, the CARU partners with courts and law enforcement throughout the United States to recover abducted children who are taken across state lines.
In cases of international child abduction, the CARU implements the terms of the Hague Convention, an international treaty signed by more than 60 countries. This effort involves a working relationship with the U.S. State Department, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the Attorney General of California in helping to recover children taken to or from foreign lands.
- Assists law enforcement and other agencies in locating and recovering children who have been taken, withheld or concealed from a parent or legal guardian.
- Acts on behalf of the Superior Court to enforce custody and visitation orders when a child is taken, withheld or concealed by a party to a custody proceeding.
- Prosecutes cases of criminal child abductions.
On a routine basis, the CARU partners with courts and law enforcement throughout the United States to recover abducted children who are taken across state lines.
In cases of international child abduction, the CARU implements the terms of the Hague Convention, an international treaty signed by more than 60 countries. This effort involves a working relationship with the U.S. State Department, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the Attorney General of California in helping to recover children taken to or from foreign lands.
IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
If you are concealing your child from the other parent because of domestic violence, you must file a “Good Cause Report” with the District Attorney’s Office Child Abduction Unit, within ten days of fleeing your home. This report lets the authorities know that you are fleeing a domestic violence environment, and are not merely abducting your children. You may make the “Good Cause Report” by calling (415) 551-9553. You must also commence custody proceedings and keep the District Attorney’s Office advised of your current address. |
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