2. Manage intervention under the Hague Child Abduction Convention

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Convention) entered into force for Australia on 1 January 1987. The Hague Convention is an international treaty under which arrangements are made for the return of children who have been wrongfully removed from, or retained outside their country of habitual residence. The Hague Convention is legislated in Australia under the Family Law (Child Abduction Convention) Regulations 1986.

Legal Services, on behalf of the Director-General acts as the State Central Authority pursuant to the Regulations.

Respond to a matter under the Hague Convention

Legal Services is responsible for the management of Hague Convention matters, These often require resolution before a family court and Crown Law is engaged to represent the Director-General in these matters.

Hague Convention matters are unlikely to involve a CSSC, however, occasionally a CSSC may be requested to assist with the placement of a child, under a family court order.

Where a matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Hague Convention, and a placement is required for a child:

• Legal Services will contact the appropriate PSU or CSAHSC, to locate and facilitate an initial placement for the child
• Legal Services Unit will liaise directly with the PSU and CSSC manager responsible for the approved carer, where an extension to the initial placement is required.