CIVIL OR CRIMINAL
Under the Child Abduction Act 1984, it is a criminal
offence in Scotland for a person connected with a child
under 16 to take or send the child out of the country
without the appropriate consent, if there is an existing UK
court order dealing with custody of the child or against
removing the child. The appropriate consent is usually that
of each parent or guardian or of each person who has a
custody order, or the consent of the court which made an
order relating to the child.
If there is existing court order then a criminal offence
may have been committed under this Act. If this is the case
then you should contact your local police station
immediately providing full details of the abducted child
and the abductor. These details should include for the
child:
- Full name
- Sex
- Date and place of birth
- Ethnic appearance
- Religion
- Nationality
- Accent
- Full personal description
- Full details of dress and possessions
- Full address and telephone number
- National health service number (including details
of any medication required)
- Passport number (if applicable) including date and
place of issue
- Photograph
- Copy of birth certificate
The information required on the abductor will mirror
this, although it should also include:
- Relationship to child
- Details of access to child
- Details of any vehicles
- Occupation and employment details
- Details of any connections abroad (including
employment and business interests)
If there is no existing court order then you may still
have rights under civil law.