FURTHER SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY CHILD ABDUCTION

The Australian Government will provide further support to persons affected by international parental child abduction by granting $145,000 to the International Social Service (ISS) Australia, Attorney‑General Philip Ruddock announced .
The grant was awarded under the Grants to Australian Organisations Program, which supports organisations to develop projects or activities that boost the public’s access to the federal civil justice system.
ISS Australia will use the grant to expand its established support service for persons affected by international child abduction. ISS Australia is the local arm of an international non-government organisation which provides services to families spread across two or more countries.
Mr Ruddock said the grant to ISS Australia demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to assisting parents whose children had been wrongfully removed to, or retained in, overseas jurisdictions.
“The abduction of children across international borders is an extremely traumatic experience for all those affected by it,” Mr Ruddock said.
“The Australian Government recognises the need for parents to be able to access services that provide much needed emotional support at this harrowing time.”

Source: Ministerial Media Release