This bill amends the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act, which addresses cases where children are illegally taken to foreign countries by a parent. The legislation expands the definition of an abduction case to include situations where a parent seeks access rights or return of the child, and raises the age threshold from 16 to 18 years old for certain protections. It requires U.S. consular officers to annually contact abducted children who reach age 16, help them understand their rights regarding passports and veterans' benefits, and continue these efforts until the parent or the now-adult child requests they stop. The bill also directs the Secretary of State to commission a study on the harms caused by international parental child abduction, with up to one million dollars authorized for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. These changes aim to improve protections and support for American children abducted abroad and the parents seeking their return.
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