When a child has been abducted you should file a missing person's report with the local police department; enter the child's name in the United States Passport Check System; obtain court orders granting you sole custody and prohibiting the defendant from traveling out of state; and report the incident to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children ( 1-800-843-5678).

To begin your search for your child notify the Parent Locator Service; obtain certified copies of any and all court orders pertaining to custody and/or travel restrictions with the child; contact friends, relatives and the child's school to determine if anyone has requested a transfer of records; request that local law enforcement contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to place a Amail cover@ on addresses in the United States to which the abductor may write and request that law enforcement assist in obtaining information from telephone and credit card companies.

As this is one of the most painful experiences, obtain support from your family, friends, neighbors, community, the media and every local and national agency available to you.