Brussels, 9th October 2023 – Missing Children Europe is at the forefront of the fight against international child abductions, a problem that has impacted thousands of families across the European Union. During Mediation Week in October, we are proud to announce the launch of a new website that will give families access to specialised mediators and empower them to find effective solutions to international family conflict.
There are a growing number of multinational couples and families in today’s globalised society. When these couples experience challenges that lead to separation, the risk of child abduction increases . In fact, international parental abduction is the second most common cause of missing children in the EU responsible for almost one fourth of cases reported to the 116000 missing child hotlines. The implications of these abductions are terrible, leaving young people unclear about their future, vulnerable to cultural and linguistic barriers, and cut off from part of their family and heritage.
Traditional legal proceedings can worsen the situation as they risk dragging the conflict on for years and they don’t necessarily address the child’s well-being.
International family mediation offers these families a ray of hope by providing a constructive way towards resolution. Trained family mediators take an unbiased approach, allowing parents equal voice and the chance to express their concerns in a safe, constructive environment. Mediation is also faster and more cost-effective than court proceedings.
Missing Children Europe coordinates the Cross Border Family Mediators Network, a dynamic community of 206 bi-cultural family mediators from 40 countries. These specialists are specially trained to deal with cross-border family problems, such as delicate situations of parental abduction.
To further support parents and families in need, Missing Children Europe is excited to announce the launch of our redesigned Cross Border Family Mediators website. This user-friendly platform includes mediation information as well as an intuitive directory to connect families to certified mediators specialised in the subject matter It makes it easier for parents to learn about mediation and choose mediators who fit their individual requirements, lowering the obstacles to resolving international family problems.
Missing Children Europe reaffirms its commitment to promoting mediation as a key tool in preventing and minimising the impact of international child abductions during International Mediation Week. We invite parents, professionals, and all stakeholders to visit our new website and join us in our quest to protect children and strengthen families.
For more information, please visit crossbordermediator.eu