NGO/support services perspective: The importance of an independent specialist centre on international family conflicts

The importance of access to information for parents, professionals and children is at the heart of this chapter since the prevention of international child abduction is preferable to recovering and returning a child after their abduction. A specialist Central Point of information (CPI), as proposed in the 2005 Guide to Good Practice on Preventive Measures, should ideally be established within each State Party to the 1980 Hague Convention, either in the Central Authority or another body. The chapter sets out information on several NGOs with a diverse portfolio (e.g., ISS, NCMEC, Take Root, Child Focus) and those with an exclusive focus on international child abduction (such as reunite, Center IKO). The history, role and services of the International Child Abduction Center (Center IKO) in the Netherlands, which does act as a CPI, are then described. Founded in 2006 as an independent legal expertise centre on international family conflicts, especially international child abduction, the Center IKO offers free information, support and advice. Their Mediation Bureau was opened in 2009 to organise and coordinate cross-border mediation according to the Dutch Model. The Center IKO offers a range of other services including a website, telephone helplines for parents and professionals, campaigns, networking, and a five-step training model (ASSAA). The chapter concludes with discussion about the challenges, ambitions, and aspirations for improvement.