About the Author: Ambassador Susan S. Jacobs serves as Special Advisor on Children’s Issues at the U.S. Department of State.

National Missing Children’s Day on May 25 provides an opportunity to reflect on how the United States government works to prevent international parental child abduction. Secretary Clinton recorded a message to commemorate National Missing Children’s Day and the Department(tm)s other efforts to assist families in cases of international parental child abduction. You may view it here.

As Special Advisor for Children’s Issues, I engage with foreign government officials on the issues of intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction. I strive to protect the welfare and interests of children by increasing the number of abducted children returned to their parents, strengthening legal safeguards and developing international relationships to resolve current abduction cases and prevent future… more