International Child Abduction Remedy Act (ICARA)

The International Child Abduction Remedy Act (ICARA) is U.S. law that implements the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. It provides legal procedures for promptly returning a child internationally abducted or wrongfully retained across borders, and for resolving custody disputes consistent with the child's best interests. ICARA aims to protect children from international abduction by ensuring that custody issues are handled fairly and efficiently, respecting both U.S. laws and international agreements. It helps parents and courts act quickly to locate and return abducted children to their habitual residence for resolution of custody matters.