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Child Abduction Form

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CHILD ABDUCTION SECTION
REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATION
QUESTIONNAIRE

OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

CHILD ABDUCTION SECTION

320 W. TEMPLE STREET, ROOM 780

LOS ANGELES, CA. 90012   (213) 974-7424

NOTICE

The Child Abduction Unit of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office exists to aid Los Angeles County parents who have had children abducted, to prosecute those who have violated child abduction criminal laws in appropriate cases, and to enforce orders on behalf of the Los Angeles Superior Court pursuant to our duties under Family Code sections 3130/3131.

At no time does the District Attorney represent you. You are a victim and/or a witness. In criminal matters the District Attorney represents the People of the State of California. Under our civil, Family Code duties, the District Attorney acts as an aid to the Superior Court and does not represent anyone.

Since we do not represent you, there is no attorney-client relationship. Therefore, any information you provide the District Attorney's Office is not confidential and may be subject to disclosure pursuant to court rules or at the discretion of the staff of the District Attorney's Office. Your address and telephone number will not be released to the other parent without your authorization. The other party's address will not be released to you without their authorization or by order of the court.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A COURT ORDER REQUIRING SERVICE, OR A COURT ORDER FOR CUSTODY/VISITATION, YOU MUST OBTAIN ONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Assistance is available at the FAMILY LAW INFORMATION CENTER, 111 N. Hill St., (213) 893-9754. If you have a ongoing visitation problem and a valid court order, you must bring the problem before the Court (Order to Show Cause re: Contempt) before the District Attorney's Office can consider handling your case. If you have an order which states "reasonable visitation," you must petition the Court to specify your visitation right, otherwise, the court order is unenforceable. If you and the other party have verbally changed the terms of the order, you may need to go back into court for a new order. In order to bring any action before the Court, you must file the proper documents. The District Attorney is not a private attorney and cannot file papers for you. There are several ways to file: hire an attorney, contact legal assistance organizations (they will advise you whether they will be able to help you) and/or file the documents yourself.

Once the District Attorney initiates a case, the decision on how to proceed and resolve that case is within the sole discretion of the office of the District Attorney. If prosecution is pursued, and the suspect is convicted, you as the victim/witness have a right to address the sentencing Judge by giving statements to the probation officer prior to sentencing of the suspect. You also can make a statement at the time of sentencing.

Your case will be handled by a qualified Investigator who is a peace officer of the State of California. The Investigator who is assigned to your case may not be the same Investigator who took the initial report.

I have read and understand the above notice

Dated:

Victim parent

Witness

Statement of Intent:

Are you willing to appear at all court hearings necessary regarding this issue?

Are you willing to appear at all investigative interviews necessary regarding this issue?

Dated:

Victim parent

Witness

LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
CHILD ABDUCTION SECTION
QUESTIONNAIRE

The following questionnaire must be completed with accuracy and accompanied by a CERTIFIED copy of the most recent court order(s) which relates to child custody. Please attach a recent picture of the child(ren) and the abducting parent, as well as a copy of any pertinent police report(s). PLEASE PRINT YOUR INFORMATION:

YOUR INFORMATION:

Your Full Name:

Your Home Address:

City, State and Zip Code:

Home Phone: Message Phone:

Race: Sex: Height: Weight: Hair: Eyes:

Your Date of birth: Age: Birthplace:

Your citizenship/immigration status:

Your Business Name/Address:

Business Phone: Business Hours:

Your Occupation: Soc. Sec. No.:

Drivers License No.: State:

Your Relationship to Child(ren): Relationship to suspect:

Your Attorney:

Address: Telephone:

Facts of Your Case:

Is this an abduction situation? If yes, describe the circumstance surrounding the abduction.

Was this abduction reported to any other agency?

If so: Which Agency?

When was it reported?

Did the suspect have assistance from anyone else in taking the child(ren)?

Date you last had contact with suspect:

How and where was this last contact made?

How, where, & on what date was the last contact with the child(ren) made?

Court Order Information

Type of court order (divorce, temporary restraining order, etc.):

Date of court order:

County/State where filed: Case No.:

Any other court order: Any court action pending:

Which court: County/State:

Type of action pending:

Attorney for victim parent: Phone No.:

Address:

Were you and the suspect previously living together?

During what time? Were you married: When: Where:

Who initiated the separation and why:

Have you ever or are you now being counseled by Family Court Services?:

If so, who is the counselor?:

Who is ordered to pay child support?:

When was the last payment made:

Have you denied visitation or custody to the suspect?: Why:

Have you ever received or refused correspondence from the suspect since the separation?

If so, why?

Have there been incidents of violence or abuse between you and the suspect:

If so, please describe:

Information Regarding Child(ren)

Full name of child: Sex:

Other names used: Race: SS#:

Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

Height: Weight: Hair Color: Eye Color:

Other marks, scars, braces, glasses, etc:

Does the child have medical or dental problems?

If yes, describe:

Name & address of the doctor/dentist who has been attending child:

Grade & last known school attended (name & address):

Babysitter: Language child speaks:

Information Regarding the Second Missing Child

Full name of second child: Sex:

Other names used: Race: SS#:

Date of Birth: Place of Birth:

Height: Weight: Hair Color: Eye Color:

Other marks, scars, braces, glasses, etc:

Does the child have medical or dental problems? If yes, describe:

Name & address of the doctor/dentist who has been attending child:

Grade & last known school attended (name & address):

Babysitter: Language child speaks:

Information Regarding Suspect

Please provide the following information regarding the parent who took the child(ren).

Full name:

Other names used:

SS# Drivers license: State:

Birth date: Birth place: Race:

Sex: Hair: Eyes: Height: Weight:

Any distinguishing marks, scars, amputations, glasses, facial hair, tattoos, etc?

What language(s) does the suspect speak?

Vehicle description:

Year Make Model Color License #

Last known residence address & date address was good:

Last known home telephone number:

Other states suspect has frequented or lived & when:

Last known employer & address:

Last known employer's telephone number:

Name & address of union: Local #

Is suspect receiving or has suspect ever received SSI, VA Benefits or disability benefits?

If yes, what type of benefit, when, & in what county & state:

Is the suspect receiving or ever received welfare, AFDC, Food Stamps, or similar benefits?

If yes, what type of benefit, when, & in what county & state:

Is suspect disabled? If yes, how?

What type of work does the suspect normally do?

Has suspect ever been arrested? If yes, for what, when & in what city/county was suspect arrested?

Does suspect have a violent temper? If yes, explain:

Does the suspect own or regularly carry a weapon of any kind? If yes, please explain:

Does suspect have any habits or hobbies that would help us locate him/her?

Does suspect have a history of any physical or mental problem that would be a danger to child(ren)'s health or welfare? If yes, explain:

Is there a police or medical record on file regarding this problem?

If so, with what agency? Date of report:

Can anyone testify to this behavior? If so, give name and address of such persons:

Does suspect have a life insurance policy? If yes, with what company?

If suspect and children have left the county, how did suspect travel?

Is suspect a member of any church? If yes, name & address of church:

Is suspect a member of any organizations? If yes, name & address of organizations:

Does suspect have any bank accounts? If yes, name of bank(s) and account number(s) (if known):

Does suspect have any credit cards? If yes name of cards and account numbers (if known):

Please provide the following information regarding the suspect's family and friends. Indicate those that will help suspect and those that won't.

Full Name / Age & date of birth / Address / Phone # / Relationship

Which of these family and/or friends do you think would assist suspect in this case?

Name of suspect's current spouse, live in boyfriend/girlfriend and provide general information regarding this person (date of birth, physical description, employer, arrest record, etc.):

If suspect left the area, where do you think he/she would go?

Why?

Name, address and telephone number of attorney representing suspect in this matter:

Additional Information

The following information is needed solely to anticipate a possible defense by the suspect in court.

If you currently have a visitation order, how regularly have you visited the child(ren) in the past?

Have you ever been arrested: Where: When:

Charges: Disposition/outcome:

Have you been charged with a crime against a child (abuse, abandonment, molestation/assault)?

If so, please describe the incident(s):

Have you ever had a physical or mental defect that could affect your ability to care for the child(ren)?

If so, please describe:

What reason do you think suspect will give for his/her action in this case?

Is there any additional information about the facts of the case, the suspect, or the child(ren) involved that you feel would be helpful at this time?

IF YOU MOVE, OBTAIN CUSTODY OF THE CHILDREN, OR DECIDE YOU DO NOT WANT THE ASSISTANCE OF THIS OFFICE, YOU MUST NOTIFY THE CHILD ABDUCTION UNIT IMMEDIATELY.

ATTACH PHOTOGRAPH OF SUSPECT AND MINOR CHILD(REN)

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What the Child Abduction Form Is and When It’s Used

A Child Abduction Form is a formal record used to report, document, or request action related to the unauthorized removal or withholding of a child by a parent or third party. In the U.S. context this term can refer to law-enforcement missing-child reports, custody-enforcement affidavits, Hague Convention intake forms for international cases, or administrative notifications used by agencies and schools. The form captures identity, custody status, travel plans, and known risks so authorities, courts, or consular officials can evaluate jurisdiction, secure immediate protective steps, and begin civil or criminal processes as appropriate.

Why a Properly Completed Form Matters

Accurate completion creates a reliable record for law enforcement, courts, consular services, and child welfare agencies; it preserves time-sensitive evidence and supports enforceability under federal and state frameworks such as the Hague Convention, ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96), and applicable state UETA provisions.

Why a Properly Completed Form Matters

Who Typically Prepares and Uses This Form

Different parties may prepare or sign the form depending on the case type and filing jurisdiction.

  • Parents and guardians reporting an urgent missing-or-withheld-child situation to police, social services, or the U.S. consulate.
  • Law enforcement officers and child-protection agents who intake reports and open investigations.
  • Attorneys, court clerks, or petitioners submitting custody-enforcement paperwork or Hague Convention applications.

Each signer’s role affects authentication, supporting evidence required, and where the completed form must be filed.

Core Components of a Professional Child Abduction Form

A complete form combines identity data, custody status, incident details, travel information, supporting exhibits, and a signed declaration; each section must be precise and verifiable.

Child Identity

Full legal name, date of birth, physical descriptors, and current photograph when available; this information is primary for rapid identification by authorities and border officials.

Custody Status

Clear statement of legal custody, court orders, docket numbers, and any restraining orders; discrepancies in custody facts slow enforcement and may require immediate court filings.

Incident Details

Date, time, location, and narrative of the removal or withholding event; include witness names, vehicle descriptions, and last-known movements to focus investigative resources.

Travel Information

Known or suspected travel plans, passport details, airline or vehicle information, and intended destinations to enable border checks and issuance of potential alerts.

Supporting Evidence

Attachments such as certified custody orders, photos, communications logs, travel receipts, and witness affidavits that substantiate claims and speed judicial or consular action.

Signature Block

Declarant signature, printed name, date, and authentication (notary or electronic signature) plus contact information for follow-up by investigators or courts.

Required Information Fields at a Glance

Child Name: Full legal name
Date of Birth: MM/DD/YYYY
Custodial Order: Court name & docket
Last Known Location: Address or place
Suspect Identity: Full name & relation
Contact Info: Phone and email

Step-by-Step: Completing and Submitting the Form

Follow these steps in order to create a complete, enforceable record and to route the form to the proper agencies quickly.

  • 01
    Collect Documents: Gather custody orders and ID
  • 02
    Complete Form: Fill every required field
  • 03
    Attach Evidence: Append photos and certified orders
  • 04
    Submit: Send to police, courts, or consulate

Configure an Online Workflow for eSubmission

Set up fields, signers, and delivery rules in an eSignature platform to reduce errors and preserve an audit trail.

Field Configuration
Required Fields Mark identity and custody fields required
Signer Order Declare declarant then witness/notary
Auth Method Use email or SMS code authentication
Audit Trail Enable timestamps and IP capture

Where to File or Send a Completed Form

Destination depends on case type—local police for active abductions, family court for custody enforcement, or the U.S. consulate for international cases.

  • Local Police: File immediate missing-person report
  • Family Court: Submit custody-enforcement affidavits
  • U.S. Consulate: Use for overseas abduction assistance
  • Hague Central Authority: Submit for international recovery petitions

Digital Signing and eSubmission Requirements

Choose a platform that preserves authenticity and produces a reliable audit trail compliant with U.S. law.

  • ESIGN / UETA: Meets federal/state legal tests
  • Audit Trail: Captures timestamp and IP
  • Notary / RON: Supports remote online notarization

Retain signed copies and audit logs in secure storage; if health or education data is included, ensure HIPAA or FERPA protections are in place.

Timelines and Processing Expectations

Time sensitivity varies: immediate action is needed for a current abduction; administrative filings and Hague petitions follow statutory deadlines and agency processes.

Immediate Reporting:

Report to law enforcement without delay

Hague Petitions:

Time-critical—file as soon as possible

Court Filings:

Follow local custody-contest deadlines

Consular Assistance:

Processing times vary by post

Evidence Preservation:

Secure records immediately for court

Penalties and Risks of Errors or Misuse

False Report: Criminal charges possible
Incomplete Form: Delays enforcement actions
Missing Notarization: May reduce legal weight
Privacy Breach: HIPAA/FEDERAL exposure risk
Jurisdiction Error: Case may be dismissed
Expired Evidence: Weakened prosecutorial case

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using inconsistent versions of a child’s legal name across attachments causes matching failures in databases and at borders.
  • Failing to attach certified custody orders or court docket numbers delays judicial review and may require return visits to court clerks.
  • Omitting travel or passport details prevents border alerts and slows international coordination through the Hague Central Authority or consular channels.
  • Relying on unsigned or image-only signatures without an audit trail can lead agencies to request original notarized documents.

Supporting Documents and File Formats to Include

Standardize attachments and save signed forms in durable, accessible formats to support investigations, court filings, and cross-border cooperation.

Certified Court Orders

Include certified copies of custody orders and restraining orders; courts and border officials require certified or apostilled documents for enforcement and international cooperation.

Photographs

Add recent, clear color photos of the child and any persons of concern, plus identifying marks; images aid rapid dissemination to law enforcement and public alerts.

Travel Records

Attach booking confirmations, passport copies, credit-card charges, or toll records that establish suspected movement and help narrow search timelines.

Communications Log

Provide copies or transcripts of texts, emails, or social-media messages that corroborate dates, threats, or plans; maintain originals for evidence chain-of-custody.

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Follow these practical steps to improve clarity, speed processing, and maintain legal integrity across jurisdictions.

Verify Legal Names and Dates
Cross-check names and dates against birth certificates and passports before submission; mismatches are a leading cause of entry failure in law-enforcement and border systems.
Use Certified Attachments
Where available, attach certified copies of court orders and notarized affidavits to reduce follow-up requests and accelerate enforcement and judicial review.
Preserve Digital Audit Trails
When signing electronically, retain the platform’s certificate of completion, timestamps, and signer authentication records to support ESIGN/UETA enforceability.
Coordinate with Authorities
Contact local law enforcement, your family-court clerk, or the U.S. consulate early to confirm the preferred filing path and any jurisdiction-specific evidence requirements.

Representative eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison

Basic pricing and feature availability for common eSignature vendors. Choose a plan that supports notarization, audit trails, and any required compliance (HIPAA, 21 CFR Part 11).

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial, no credit card required Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year limit Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Real-World Examples of How the Form Is Used

Case examples illustrate typical workflows and outcomes when forms are completed correctly and routed to the proper authority.

Optica Ventures — Brian Fitzgibbons

When a custody-related removal was reported, staff used a standardized form to collect identity and travel details

  • The form included certified custody orders and photos
  • "The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers."

Fertility Centers of Illinois — John Butler

A clinic used a secure, auditable form to report an emergency child safety concern to authorities

  • The form preserved patient authorization details and signatures
  • "The airSlate SignNow team has been exceptional, responsive, the API has been great, and we're extremely happy that we chose airSlate SignNow as a company."

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting

Answers to common questions about validity, notarization, electronic signatures, and next steps when a Child Abduction Form is incomplete or contested.


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